Essential affinity group questions to ask yourselves before actions:
1. Are you able to and willing to be in situations that may involve a risk of arrest and or police violence?
2. Are there any reasons why you CANNOT go to jail? Do you need meds/medical attention if incarcerated, people others not incarcerated that you think should be notified/called/emailed?
3. What is our plan, what are our goals, and how do we do our exit strategy? Roles within affinity groups:
• First aid, medic, snacks water carrier
• Facilitator
• Spokesperson
• Cop watcher
• Safe retreat lookout
• Use the buddy system, move in a group
Essentials:
• Bandannas soaked in vinegar in plastic baggies
• Shooting glasses/sunglasses, googles
• Fresh shirt in a plastic bag, hella water!!!
• Cloth, and gauze for chemicals
• Gas mask/ chemical and or gas respirator for hazardous gases
• Heavy duty welder’s gloves for throwing tear gas canisters back at pigs
• Snacks, cash, maps optional Clothing:
• All black, and/or dark colors
• Good running shoes
• Cup/ sports bra
• Layers!!! Cover logos with duct tape
• Water repellent everything if possible
• Hammer, paint, rocks, bats, brass, fireworks, lighters
Other Recommendations:
• Disposable gloves, no DNA traces
• Don’t all carry your phone at demo
• Emergency phone numbers and contact info written multiple times on your body
• No contact lenses
• Hide piercings, hair, tattoos, etc.
Important Notes:
• Rendezvous if split up
• Never run when the police use anti crowd devices
• Comfort levels before during and after should always be vocalized
• If disagreements arise break up into smaller groups of at least 2
• Discuss plans for possible scenarios
• Don’t carry identification
• Do not resist arrest or touch an officer
• Identifying safe spaces
• Always have exit plans in mind
• Embrace crowd dynamics/mood and tune into the local police force’s personality
• Send scouts to scope the area—a communications team
• Don’t act on rumors—if you did not see it, it did not happen
• Assume that the pigs may be coming
• Keep 360 degree view with your team
• Prepare to maybe be photographed/filmed
• Keep others calm
• Never let the police snatch your friends, learn to de-arrest others!
Police tactics:
• Dispersing crowds
• Surprise attacks and sporadic arrests/force
• Surrounding, isolating and dividing crowds
• Blocking entrance and exit, kettling crowds
• Snatch squads secretly target leader-like individuals from the crowd
• If caught, do not make sudden movements and keep your hands in view