What to Bring to a Protest

Protecting Your Digital Anonymity

Remove or Disable Fingerprint Unlocks

• Remove or disable fingerprint unlocks on your devices. While convenient, biometric data can be compelled by law enforcement without a warrant, making it less secure than a PIN or password.

Quick Camera Access

• Use the gesture to quickly open the camera app directly from the lock screen for discreet photography.
  • On most Android devices: Double tap the power button twice.
  • On iOS: Swipe left from the lock screen.

Use a Prepaid Burner Phone

• Consider using a prepaid “burner” phone for protests instead of your personal smartphone to maintain anonymity.
• Purchase one without providing ID if possible.
• Inform your contacts of the temporary number and keep location services off to avoid tracking.
• Be aware that carrying both devices could compromise your anonymity.
• Write the phone number of a local org or lawyer in pen on your arm in case you are arrested.

Avoid Driving to Protests

• Avoid driving to protests if possible, as Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) can track your movements.
• These systems record license plates, times, and locations, creating a surveillance risk.
• Consider alternatives like walking, biking, or using public transport.

Enable Airplane Mode During Protests

• Enable airplane mode on your device during protests to prevent cellular tracking.
• Be aware that this will disable communication services, so plan accordingly.
• Consider arranging a rendezvous point in case of separation.

Use Encrypted Communication Tools for Organizers

• For organizers, use encrypted communication tools instead of mainstream platforms to avoid surveillance.
• Recommended tools include Signal for messaging and Mastodon, Lemmy, Feddit, or Diaspora for social media.

Stay Informed About Local Laws and Surveillance Technologies

• Stay informed about local laws and surveillance technologies to adapt your security measures accordingly.
• Knowledge of the legal and technological landscape can help you make more informed decisions to protect yourself.

What to wear

Backpack, make sure that when you’re wearing it, keep it slung over your chest front ways. Don’t give the police any convenient handles to grab you or your bag.

Wear dark clothes, preferably all black. Keep an extra set of clothing wrapped up in a plastic bag in your backpack to change into after the protest.

Helmet or hardhat. Make sure that it fights snuggly.

Gas Mask or respirator. Organic Vapor/Acid Gas/P100 filters. 3M 60928 fits this profile, and can be used on 40mm NATO masks with a 3M 701 adapter that goes from 40mm to the 3M bayonet fitting. If you can’t get your hands on an adapter, any ABEKP3 rated 40mm filter should be able to stop it.

Don’t forget to carry spares in sealed bags to avoid contamination, and only change filters in a minimally contaminated area. You’ll really want a full face mask ideally too.

In the event that you DO vomit in your mask, remove filters and any fabric parts if possible, and wash it in warm water with dawn/palmolive unscented dish soap.

Goggles that are ANSI Z87.1 rated, preferably Z87+ for high velocity impact resistance. And obviously non-vented

Elbow pads, knee pads, athletic cup is also suggested.

Heat resistent gloves in case you have to handle any gas canisters

Plastic sheeting, or 1/8th inch plyboard or atleast 10 layers of cardboard wrapped in duct tape. Put this in the back of your backpack to create a rigid plate. This is to protect the front of you from less lethals and also to add stiffness to the bag.

Medical Help During Protests

If you or someone else is injured during a protest, prioritize seeking medical attention immediately. Exposed injuries should be cleaned with sterile water or saline solution to prevent infection. For burns caused by tear gas or pepper spray, flush the affected area with cool water and avoid using creams or ointments unless advised by a professional. If you inhaled tear gas, move to fresh air and rinse your eyes with water. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can worsen irritation. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek professional medical help.

Handling Tear Gas and Pepper Spray

When exposed to tear gas or pepper spray, stay calm and protect your face. Goggles or glasses can shield your eyes from direct contact. If you are sprayed, remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected skin with soap and water. Flush your eyes repeatedly with clean water to alleviate irritation. Avoid using creams or oils unless recommended by a healthcare professional. Inhaling milk of magnesia or antacids can help neutralize the effects of tear gas in your throat.

Legal Rights for Immigrants

If you are an immigrant in the US, know that your First Amendment rights apply to you as well. If detained, you have the right to remain silent and request to speak with an attorney. If asked for documentation, present it if available, but avoid providing unnecessary information. Non-citizens on visas should exercise caution when participating in protests, as arrests or charges could impact immigration status. Consider avoiding social media posts that could be misinterpreted, especially under heightened surveillance by authorities.

Supporting Vulnerable Individuals

To support immigrants or non-citizens at protests, carry a red card from the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. These cards explain rights under the Fourth and Fifth Amendments in multiple languages and can be presented to law enforcement if needed. Solidarity among protesters is key, and carrying these cards ensures consistency in responses to authorities. If you are an immigrant and face dispersion orders from police, it may be safer to leave the area to avoid risks to your visa or residency status.

Documenting Police Conduct

If you witness an arrest or police brutality, exercise your right to film the incident. Do not physically intervene, as this could escalate the situation. Be visible with your recording device to deter further misconduct. If you are white, your presence may help de-escalate tensions and prevent additional violence. After the protest, share the footage responsibly, ensuring it does not compromise anyone’s safety or privacy.

Post-Protest Actions

After the protest, stay engaged with the cause by following up with organizers for further actions or ways to support the movement. Whether you attended in person or supported remotely, your contributions matter. Consider donating supplies, food, or resources to those actively protesting. Advocacy is a spectrum, and every form of support—whether on the ground or from home—contributes to the collective goal.

Staying Informed and Responsible

Use social media responsibly by sharing verified information and avoiding posts that could be misinterpreted. Stay informed about your rights and the legal implications of protest participation, especially if you are a non-citizen. By staying vigilant, prepared, and united, you can contribute to a safer and more impactful protest environment.