Heading to a protest in England or Wales? Here’s our top tips to remember - know your rights & share these key messages! (THREAD) Please RT to spread knowledge @BLMUK @XRebellionUK
1. NO COMMENT! You’re usually not required to answer police questions, so don’t. - Say ‘no comment’. This includes ‘friendly chats’, on the streets, in a police van & during interview. PLOs (officers in blue bibs) are trained intelligence gatherers - remember ‘NO COMMENT’
2. NO PERSONAL DETAILS! You DON’T legally have to give personal details when you’re being stopped & searched & you usually don’t need to give personal details to police anyway
Exceptions:
- If you’re arrested many people choose to give their name, address, nationality & date of birth (no more than this) when they get to the custody desk (not before) as not giving this can delay release
- If you’re arrested many people choose to give their name, address, nationality & date of birth (no more than this) when they get to the custody desk (not before) as not giving this can delay release
- If police want to give you a fine and you don’t give your details, they’re likely to arrest you whether the fine is under the coronavirus legislation or not
- If police use S50 of the Police Reform Act (an ‘anti-social behaviour’ power) you can be arrested for refusing to give details. If threatened with arrest for s50 ask: WHAT GROUNDS do you have of suspecting me of ANTI-SOCIAL behaviour?
3. UNDER WHAT POWER? Police sometimes rely on protesters not knowing the law. If police tell you to do something make sure you challenge them to act lawfully by asking ‘AM I LEGALLY OBLIGED TO?’ & ‘UNDER WHAT POWER?’
4. NO DUTY SOLICITOR! If you’re arrested never take the solicitor offered by the police- they may not know anything about protest & give bad advice. Instead we recommend asking for ITN @ITNSolicitors 020 3909 8100 or HJA @hodgejonesallen 0808 278 0076
5. NO CAUTION! A caution is an admission of guilt for an offence without police having to show evidence. Doesn’t sound like much but stays on your record & can impact employment. Best not to accept one, unless a trusted solicitor has specifically advised you to & explained why
Legal Observers monitor police behaviour & brief protesters on their rights - look out for them in labelled orange bibs & pick up a bustcard from them (pictured below) or get a printable version here greenandblackcross.org/bustcard/ 
Got legal questions, witness an arrest or police violence or get arrested yourself? Make sure to call the Protest Support Line for tips & support at 07946 541 511 (write this number on the top of your arm under a sleeve)
Note: To report arrests and police behaviour at @XRebellionUK actions please call the XR Legal Back Office at 07749335574
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