1. What to Wear: Dress for Safety, Mobility, and Anonymity
Essentials:
- Comfortable, neutral-colored clothes: Black, gray, or dark earth tones help you blend into a crowd and avoid being singled out. Avoid logos or unique patterns.
- Face coverings: A surgical mask, gaiter, or N95 serves dual purposes: COVID protection and anonymity. Pair with sunglasses or a hat to obscure identifying features (note: some jurisdictions restrict face coverings, so know your local laws).
- Layer smart: Street actions can shift between warm and cold fast, layering allows you to adjust while still concealing identity.
- Sturdy, closed-toe shoes: Running shoes or boots that you can walk, stand, or sprint in comfortably.
- Protective gear:
- Goggles (preferably shatter-resistant swim or lab goggles) if tear gas or pepper spray is a risk.
- Bandana soaked in vinegar or water: Helps mitigate pepper spray effects, store in a plastic bag in your pocket.
- Earplugs: For long-term protests with drums, speeches, or potential flashbangs.
- Gloves: Protect your hands when moving barricades, climbing, or if there’s risk of hot surfaces or irritants.
Avoid:
- Jewelry, lanyards, or anything grab-able.
- Contact lenses (can trap irritants).
- Clothes you’d regret losing, if detained or forced to flee, you may not get them back.
2. What to Bring (and What Not To)
Pack light but smart. A small backpack or fanny pack is ideal.
Recommended items:
- ID (optional): This is debated. Some prefer not to carry ID to avoid police identification. Others carry it for legal protections. If you’re undocumented or at risk, consult a legal support org before protesting.
- Legal hotline number written on your body in Sharpie (NLG or protest-specific jail support line).
- Snacks and water (especially water in a reusable bottle, hydration is crucial).
- Mini first aid kit: Band-aids, alcohol wipes, small antiseptic.
- Medications: Only what you need, and clearly labeled. Do not bring anything that could be misinterpreted.
- Cash: Cards can be traced or disabled; keep a small amount for transit or emergency use.
- A burner phone or no phone: Phones can be tracked. If you bring one, put it in airplane mode when not in use or use a Faraday pouch. Avoid posting real-time updates with identifying info.
Do NOT bring:
- Weapons or anything that can be construed as one.
- Drugs or alcohol.
- Important personal documents.
- Your everyday phone if it contains sensitive data or login credentials.
3. How to Spot Bad Actors and Agitators
Watch for:
- People encouraging violence without context or planning: Agents provocateurs often try to escalate conflict to justify police violence. Trust your gut if something feels off.
- Folks filming faces aggressively: Especially those zooming in, asking for names, or trying to ID protest leaders.
- People dressed differently than the crowd (e.g., overly clean, military boots, mismatched gear): This may signal undercover officers or infiltrators.
- Uncoordinated “arrests”: If someone is being detained by others not in uniform or without clear markings (like legal observers or medics), intervene or call it out.
- People pushing the crowd into police lines: Especially without consent or coordination, this is often how kettling traps begin.
If you’re unsure, link up with experienced protesters, legal observers (typically wearing green hats), or marshals to report suspicious behavior.
4. Clocking Danger in a Crowd: Situational Awareness 101
Crowd Safety Tactics:
- Know your exits: Upon arrival, identify at least two ways out, especially in parks, streets, or plazas. Don’t get boxed in.
- Keep your head on a swivel: Periodically check all directions. Watch the edges of the crowd for incoming police or vehicles.
- Monitor police body language:
- Shields coming down = prep for movement or aggression.
- Batons out or helmets on = escalation likely.
- Zip ties on belts = they plan to arrest.
- Sound cues: Screaming, banging, or sudden silence can signal a shift, look up, check police posture, scan for stampedes or tear gas plumes.
Moving in a Crowd:
- Stick with a buddy: Protest with a partner or small group. Use codewords if separated.
- Hold hands or link arms when moving through tight areas.
- Don’t run unless necessary: Running triggers panic. Move with purpose; briskly but calmly.
- Stay to the sides: If things go south, being on the edges gives you more options to exit.
5. If Arrested or Detained
- Stay calm. Don’t resist physically, this can escalate charges.
- State, “I am invoking my right to remain silent. I want to speak to a lawyer.”
- Don’t answer questions or sign anything without a lawyer present.
- Know that you do not have to unlock your phone (especially with biometrics).
- Inform a buddy or legal support group before the protest if you have health conditions, dependents, or other urgent needs.