KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

- You have the right to gather (no permit necessary) at “traditional public forums,” such as streets, sidewalks, and parks. 

- When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police.

- Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete data under any circumstances.

- Police cannot detain you without reasonable suspicion that you have or are about to commit a crime or are in the process of doing so.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE STOPPED BY THE POLICE

-Stay calm. Make sure to keep your hands visible. Don’t argue, resist, or obstruct the police. 

-Point out that you are not disrupting anyone else’s activity and that the First Amendment protects your actions.

-Ask if you are free to leave. If the officer says yes, calmly walk away.

-If you are under arrest, you have a right to ask why. Otherwise, say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t say anything or sign anything without a lawyer.

-You have the right to make a local phone call, and if you’re calling your lawyer, police are not allowed to listen.

-You never have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. If you do explicitly consent, it can affect you later in court.

-Police officers may not confiscate or demand to view your photographs or video without a warrant, nor may they delete data under any circumstances.

IF YOU BELIEVE YOUR RIGHTS HAVE BEEN VIOLATED

-When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for.

-Get contact information for witnesses.

-Take photographs of any injuries.

-Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.