Occupy Wall Street - Tips On How To Avoid Confrontation With The Police
Posted: Sunday, October 16, 2011
by Judge Dred
The Occupy Wall Street protests have recently increased in the number of people involved and in intensity. In New York City, the protests have periodically turned violent, with injuries sustained by both police and protesters. The following are tips on how to avoid confrontation with the police. Of course, this is not a guarantee to work, for sometimes authorities will change their tactics at a moment’s notice.
“Congress shall make no law…or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”
In plain English, this means that the government (in theory) is not authorized to curtail your freedom of speech or the freedom of the press, nor limit your ability to peacefully assemble. The people also have the right to ask the government to correct any suffering, distress or complaint. We know that recently, some of these freedoms have been restricted (not allowing the press to report and record the arrests of protesters, arrests of people who were attempting to close bank accounts, etc.)
Here are some DO and DO NOT tips which should help to clarify roles and decrease the arrests of protesters:
DO gather peacefully and feel free to express opinions. These actions are protected by the First Amendment.
DO NOT block vehicular or pedestrian traffic. These are unlawful acts which WILL result in arrest.
DO NOT violently resist if being placed under arrest. Your best course of action is to engage in passive resistance if being arrested. Participating in violent retaliation concerning the police is a battle you WILL NOT win, regardless of your opinion or point of view.
DO NOT interfere with the arrest of a fellow protester. Again, doing this will probably result in injury to you or someone else and you will certainly be arrested.
No matter the subject matter of protest, DO NOT violate a police officer’s personal space. Should you approach a police officer in a manner which can be construed as threatening, arrest may be the least of your problems. Police officers are in possession of certain items which can be used against them and the public in a lethal fashion, and they do have the right to defend themselves.
DO rage against Wall Street bankers, corrupt politicians, corporate entities, etc. DO NOT rage against the front line police officers. They are more like you than you may realize, and they are simply following orders.
Yes, the streets in our towns and cities are public spaces, but when there is a large gathering of police, and they are telling you that there is a specific time period to vacate an area, give it some consideration. Is it more important to win the small battles or win the war? I would think twice before challenging a horse. (This does not include Zucotti Park or any of the other parks being utilized by the Occupy Wall Street/99 percent movement worldwide) This refers to areas such as Times Square.
DO record as much of the protest as you can, this can assist in rooting out people who wish to infiltrate the movement and provide evidence against any overzealous authorities.
To recap, I will provide a few illustrations.
This you CAN DO:
This you SHOULD NOT DO:
Because you WILL LOSE THIS:
And end up HERE:
Are there any questions? Now go forth and change the world for the better. You can’t change the world while awaiting arraignment.
Until next time.
JD
This Article has been viewed 537 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)You are absolutely correct.
Thank you Rev. This movement can make great strides if level heads prevail. Thanks for reading and commenting.
RIGHT is R I G H T!!!
What a great article! Protesters often lose sight of these realities, I think. It's understandable, but it only does them harm and weakens the protest. I enjoyed your use of photos!I feel that the protesters will lose credibility if they turn to violence. The police are not the enemy, it's Wall Street recklessness and corporate greed. If there is a confrontation, non violent protest is the way to go. It's easier said than done, but the message is more powerful if protesters are seen on TV being dragged away, rather than going toe to toe with law enforcement. It will become easier for conservative pundits and the GOP to be dissmisive of the movement.
Thanks for reading and commenting.
P.S. Pictures drive the point home !!
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