How to Survive If You are Detained or Arrested During a Protest
Original image by Tito Texidor III on Unsplash.
1. Assume that getting detained or arrested is a possibility.
Make sure you have your ID, that you have no weapons, and that you have written an emergency contact number and name on your body. Consider wearing shoes without shoelaces so that if you are arrested you can keep them on. The police will likely take your shoes if they have laces.
2. If you have an existing warrant or any issue at all that you suspect could make your detention more than just a catch and release, be ready to leave the protest at all times if you notice officials detaining people.
3. Find out if legal aid is present.
Many protests these days have representatives from the National Lawyer’s Guild on hand to assist. They are often identifiable by the bright neon green hats. If you are being detained, seek their assistance.
4. Have a friend or another protestor videotape the detention and arrest.
If you are being arrested or detained and are cuffed or zip-tied, and you are being mistreated or hurt in any way, make it known.
5. Do not resist arrest, unless you wish to receive a “resisting arrest” charge.
Even if your cuffs are loose and you see an opportunity to escape, it’s best to appear to be detained.