Preparing to Get Arrested During a Protest

Every social justice activist who is active in the movement should be prepared for the possibility of getting arrested during a protest. Even if it's unplanned or unwanted at the time, the possibility exists that sometime in your activist career you or your group will endure a police "sweep", and the choice will be taken from you.

Getting arrested during a protest is a very serious matter. There are four things an activist must know with certainty long before the protest, especially when arrests are likely.

Know yourself

Are you aggressive or have a tendency towards violence or behavior that can be construed as such? Getting arrested is out of the question! In fact, if you have no plan for self-control measures, your best bet is to stay at home. The vast majority of social justice groups pride themselves on being non-violent. One act of violence or illegal behavior can ruin a group's credibility, reputation, and years of hard work.

Know the issue

Are you familiar with the issue(s) that the protest is about? Does it affect you, your family, friends, or community? Are you so committed to the issue that you're willing to get arrested? It is very important to be absolutely sure of your level of knowledge of, and commitment to a cause.

Know your group

Are you familiar with the group or coalition that is organizing the protest? Do you know about its methods or politics, and do you approve of them? Though you may be willing to protest with them, are you willing to get arrested with them? If the answer to any of these questions is no, research and/or soul-searching is in order.

Know the consequences

Are you willing to go to jail? If so, how long are you willing and able to be away from your family and job? The type of civil disobedience and where it is done may affect what happens to you. Are you willing to go to trial or pay a fine? That could happen. Do you have, or are you applying for a government, or high profile job with a security clearance? Are you trying to adopt a child, join the police force, or visit another country? An arrest, even for non-violent civil disobedience, might prevent you from doing these things.

Preparing for arrest

Every activist group has its own methods of preparing for arrests, but there are practical measures that should be followed to make the event less stressful.

Follow your group's guidelines

Most serious and reputable activist groups that engage in protest do so as a cohesive unit. There is no room for mavericks. You are part of a group and must follow its instructions, not go off and do your own thing. Most groups will have meetings and trainings on what to expect, and how to behave during an arrest.

Bring proper Identification

It is vitally important that you bring a valid driver's license or state issued ID. Without it, the arrest process could be prolonged. Instead of being ticketed and released, you may be separated from the group and taken into custody.

Bring medications in the original prescription bottles

If you take medication, bring it in its original prescription bottle or container with your name on it, or the medication could be confiscated as an unknown drug. The same thing applies to over-the-counter drugs.

Do not bring weapons, illegal drugs, or alcohol

Possession of these items when arrested will result in criminal charges, and could ruin your group's reputation. If you have these on you, don't bother going near the protest!

No violence of any kind

This also includes name-calling and resisting arrest. Some activists engage in what's known as "passive resistance", meaning they go limp, and allow the police to carry them. Most police are familiar with this tactic and do not equate it with resisting arrest.

Don't retaliate

Sometimes, things can become very intense, and a police officer may hit you or a comrade during the arrest. Don't even think of retaliation or self-defense! This is the time for turning the other cheek. Hopefully, members of your group have whipped out their cell phone and video cameras and are recording the attack.

Keep a positive attitude

A positive attitude goes a long way. Remember, the arresting officer is not your enemy. He or she is simply doing their job. Follow their instructions and be cooperative. As the atmosphere becomes less tense, you may even have the chance to educate them about your cause.

Source:

My personal experience of 23 years as a disability rights activist, and 115 arrests at protests during this time.