Planning to be out on a #ReclaimTheseStreets protest on Saturday? Here are our top legal tips to remember - we need you to learn your rights & share these key messages by retweeting! (THREAD, England and Wales only)
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.
There are some exceptions:
There are some exceptions:
Exceptions:
- If you’re arrested many people choose to give their name, address, & date of birth (nothing else) when they get to the custody desk (not before, not in the streets or in the police van) as not giving this can delay release
- If you’re arrested many people choose to give their name, address, & date of birth (nothing else) when they get to the custody desk (not before, not in the streets or in the police van) as not giving this can delay release
-If you’re arrested & police demand your nationality you must give it (under new law). Ask ‘UNDER WHAT POWER?’. This only applies AFTER arrest
-If police want to fine you & you don’t give your details, they’re likely to arrest you whether it’s under the COVID legislation or not
-If police want to fine you & you don’t give your details, they’re likely to arrest you whether it’s under the COVID legislation or not
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 149 8133
5. NO CAUTION! A caution is an admission of guilt for an offence without the police having to show evidence. This stays on your record & can impact employment. It’s best not to accept one, unless a trusted solicitor has specifically advised you to and explained why
Legal Observers will be out tomorrow - look out for them in numbered orange bibs & pick up a bustcard (pictured below). If you can print bustcards, please visit our printable version at 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)
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