OFF THE WIRE
The five-page document below was compiled by NYC-based activist Danny Panzella from the works of Copblock.org & The NYC ACLU. His goal: police transparency, safeguard individual rights, outreach, erode violence-based monopoly.COP Watching 101
Peaceful Streets Project NYCCOP Watching 101
Updated: 11/18/12
Compiled by Danny Panzella from the works of Copblock.org & The NYC ACLU
Goal:
Police
transparency, safeguard individual rights,outreach, erode
violence-based monopoly.
Overview:
Armed with
cameras, communication and more,Cop watchers
proactively respond to and document policestops to encourage
police to act appropriately and provideevidence of
misconduct.
Guidelines:
Preparation:
Set a time and place to meet-up with other Copwatchers. Choose areas with heavy foot
traffic or where policeharassment is
known to occur.Choose a safe
meeting location to coordinate before you go
onpatrol. First, use it
as a time to make sure everyone is on the
same page. Folks
may RSPV on a Facebook event but you won’tknow until it’s
go
-time how many
people will participate and
what technology
they’ll bring.
Also, you may have some new-comers. Use this time
toanswer their questions and set them at ease by
reviewingpossible scenarios.Charge all
electronic devices such as cameras, phones,
radios,etc. before
heading out. Carry spare batteries just in case.Information is power. Share cell phone
and emergency contactinformation with a
friend or those on another team beforeheading out. It is a good idea for
everyone to have a copy of amaster list of all
their team members information andemergency contacts
in case of an arrest. It is generally a
goodidea for at least one
team member to keep a safe distance andnot risk arrest so
they can film the whole scene as well as bethe point of
contact for other team members and their
familiesin case a cop
watcher is arrested.
Why
stop and film?
Ordinary people
stopping and filmingthe police can mean
that officersbehave differently than they would if no-one was watching
and recordingtheir actions. This might make theexperience for the
person who hasbeen stopped far less intimidating orthreatening. The
more often thepolice are
filmed stopping people, themore officers may
come to expectthat they may be filmed in the future,which can influence
the way theygenerally treat people and whetherstop & frisk
powers are routinelyused
indiscriminately. If policeofficers have acted unlawfully, filmingthem can help
provide evidence if there is a formal
complaint or if someone is
arrested.
Can
I legally film the police?
There is no expectation of privacy in apublic place. You
always have theright to film anyone and anything.However if you get
to close to anofficer performing his duties you maybe charged with
obstruction.
The document above, Cop Watching 101, is one of many documents now included in the “Know Your Rights” collection visible below, and housed at h
