Sunday, December 2, 2012

Cop Watching 101

 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.
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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