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Mass protests can be unpredictable. While it might seem like all you need is a witty protest sign, depending on the type of event you might want to bring more than that. As we’ve seen throughout the years from Ferguson to Minneappolis, social movements can vary in their degree of escalation and confrontation with police.
While reading this you might think, Well, I don’t plan on going to jail. It's important for you to understand that anyone who attends a protest, especially one that is unpermitted or blocks off streets and sidewalks, runs the chance of being arrested. I don’t say that to scare you, but so that you have a full understanding of what you’re getting into.
Here are some tips on things to keep in mind if you’re interested in attending a mass protest.
1. Go with people you know and have a protest buddy.
Mass protests can go sideways quickly. This is why it can be helpful to attend accompanied by a group of people you trust. Connect beforehand via Signal or other encrypted messaging apps and decide where you’re going to meet up in case you all get separated. This is why it’s also important to have a protest buddy that you stay with at all times. This should be someone who shares your expectations for the night. Are you just interested in showing your support and watching from afar? Or do you want to get close to the police riot line? No matter how you choose to participate, it can be safer to have someone you trust with you.
2. Always dress and pack for the possibility of a riot.
I once went to a city hall hearing that turned into a protest that later turned into a riot. I was wearing a dress and ballerina slippers. I hadn’t expected I would spend eight hours marching and running to avoid rubber bullets and tear gas. From then on I’ve always made it a point to dress and pack for the unexpected when I go to any action. This means:
- Wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes. I know you want to look cute for this protest with the combat boots, but trust me your feet will hurt (I’ve done it!). Wear something you can walk and run in, and something that will protect your toes from someone accidentally stepping on them.
- Wear comfy clothes. I always try to think what would be the most comfortable if for any reason I get arrested. I also try to wear darker clothing, usually black, without any identifying labels.
- Wear a mask. Before COVID-19, wearing a mask could get you targeted, but now in some cities it’s required. So protect yourself not only from the coronavirus but also from the surveillance state by covering up. I also suggest sunglasses if the protest is scheduled during the day.
3. Pack water and snacks.
Staying hydrated is key for maintaining endurance. You also never know when you might find yourself in a police kettle (I’ll explain what this is later) and need a snack to keep your energy up.
- Eat beforehand. You never know how your day is going to end up, how far you’ll have to walk, or whether or not you’ll have time to eat, so make sure to eat a good meal that won’t be heavy on your stomach.
- Drink water. The last thing you want is to be dehydrated during a march. You can also use water to rinse your eyes if you happen to get teargassed.
4. There are pros and cons to bringing a phone.
It can help you coordinate with friends, but it can also be snatched up and (with the right paperwork) hacked by police. If you do bring a phone:
- Have a full battery and bring a portable battery to recharge.
- Turn on your password protection (do not use your thumb or face) and make sure it has at least 11 characters.
- Use encrypted apps like Signal to communicate with friends.
5. Know the area you are going to and be mindful of how you’re getting there.
Avoid parking in areas with a time limit. If you end up caught in the moment and protesters start shutting down the roads, it may be difficult to get to your car before the meter runs out. If you can afford it, it’s best to pay for parking in a secure lot. This will protect your vehicle from getting towed or impounded if you happen to get arrested. Pre-COVID-19, I would recommend public transit as the best choice in cities that have decent options available, but ride-share is also an option.
6. Turn off your phone’s location.
We’ve seen with previous protests that police use social media location data collected during protests to help create more predictive policing systems. While the Supreme Court has ruled that police generally need a search warrant to access individual location data, police have been known to use devices called cell site simulators as a workaround to directly access this information in real time. Do your part to fight against the surveillance state by turning off your data location before arriving at the protest. This can also help you if you get arrested, so that prosecutors can’t use this data against you or others.
7. Avoid taking pictures of peoples' faces and avoid letting others take pictures of yours.
On January 20, 2017, over 200 people were arrested for protesting at the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump. The prosecution of what became known as the J20 defendants highlighted the danger of photography and live-streaming at protests. Federal prosecutors used video and photos obtained from arrested journalists and protesters to build their cases in an unprecedented mass prosecution.
It’s not just the prosecutors you have to worry about either. Some right-wing groups also conduct their own surveillance. This is why it’s important not to take pictures or video of other people at a protest (except if you’re monitoring aggressive police behavior) and to prevent people from taking pictures of you.
8. Avoid the kettles.
The Network for Police Monitoring defines a kettle as an action where “police surround demonstrators to keep them in a particular place.” This is often how they will conduct a mass arrest. So pay attention to the police because they are paying attention to you. If you notice that police have formed a riot line (a line of police in riot gear) and another line is forming behind you, the police are possibly preparing to kettle you all in. Being kettled doesn’t always end in mass arrest. Sometimes it’s just a targeted arrest, or they hold you for a while and then allow you to disperse. Either way, paying attention to the police formations can help you avoid a night or more in jail.
9. Trust your gut.
Pay attention to your comfort level. If you feel you don’t like the direction the protest is going, leave. Think the loud, white dude in a Black Lives Matter T-shirt and kaffiyah with the bullhorn is a little shady? Might be time to jam out. It’s always best to leave and wish you had stayed longer than to stay and regret it over the next year of court cases.
These are a few tips that have helped me throughout the years. Experiencing a mass protest like the ones seen in Minneapolis have always been empowering for me. At the same time, getting shot at with rubber bullets and seeing my friends arrested has caused lasting trauma. And if you get arrested, the protest lasts longer than just a single day. Again this is not to discourage you, but just to help you stay informed.
So be safe out there — and always wear comfortable shoes.
Want more from Teen Vogue? Check this out: Beyond the Hashtag: How to Take Anti-Racist Action in Your Life
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