Communication with the police

It may be useful to talk to the police during or in advance, especially if it is a large disruptive action. Think about how the police might interpret this action and speak to them before and during an action (once it is in the public realm, if it is.) Giving them the maximum information possible alleviates tension and stress and means they can plan to police the action proportionately. Keep in mind that in the long run, we want a loyalty shift from the police, and they have children too.

• Tell them it’s a protest and what it’s about – NOT an ‘event’, etc. – this is important legally.
• Focus on the common ground of prioritising public safety and show we are well organised in thinking about stewarding, alternative traffic routes etc.
• Don’t identify any organisers: The contact person is a liaison not an organiser. Explain that the group or protest would need to make decisions collectively in response to police requests and that you cannot control the protest: individuals do as they wish. Any named organiser or leader risks a different set of legal charges. It’s OK if its obvious who co-ordinators are, so long as they aren’t named or self-admit.
• Reassure them that, on the day, you will be available to keep an open line of com- munication and they can trust us to do what we have told them – and stick to timings!
• Remind them that this is a strictly non-violent organisation and we want to have a respectful relationship with the police, and everyone else
• We respect that they have a job to keep the public safe and we will try to help with that.
• We are not asking for permission but informing them.