What to do.
Events can change quickly and without warning, you may find yourself kettled by the police, marching for longer than you anticipated, or the weather could unexpectedly turn. It’s good to be prepared for multiple scenarios.
Whilst we should not be ashamed about being seen attending a protest - it is undeniable that we are living in a time of heightened state and police surveillance. It is completely up to you if you choose to take measures to conceal your identity when attending protests, as many activists around the world have done for decades. It is important however, that you make an informed decision that works for you, and to be aware of your legal rights to mask up if you choose to do so.
What to wear
Comfortable, protective shoes that you can run in.
Avoid clothes with obvious logos or other clearly identifiable features. It’s best to blend in.
A covid-safe face mask.
Clothing covering all your skin to protect from weather and pepper spray exposure.
Shatter-resistant eye protection (ie. Sunglasses)
Weather-related gear (ie. Rain gear or sun hat)
Helmet (optional): If you believe the protest will escalate to violence, this will add protection from rocks, batons and other possible head injuries.
Face coverings, face paint, caps, etc. used to conceal your identity. Please be aware that if a Section 60AA (Criminal Justice Act 1994) order is in effect, a police officer can demand that any item you are wearing that is mainly used to conceal your identity, is removed.
Failure to remove the item can result in an arrest. The police can seize the item, and you don’t have to be wearing this item at the time for it to be seized.
What to bring
Layers of clothing/waterproofs if you are able to comfortably carry these items.
Lots of water in a plastic bottle with squirt or spray top, to drink and to wash your skin and eyes if need be.
Snacks, energy bars, fuel for your body.
A small first-aid kit with bandages, plasters, tape etc.
Watch, paper, pen for accurate documentation of events, police brutality, injuries.
Water or alcohol based sunscreen.
Inhaler, epipen, insulin or any other medicine if applicable.
Menstrual pads, if needed. Avoid using tampons; if you're arrested you may not have a chance to change it (tampons left in for more than six hours increase your risk of developing toxic shock syndrome).
Bust card - write the name of a good solicitor on your arm.
What not to do
Don't put Vaseline, mineral oil, oil-based sunscreen or moisturisers on skin as they can trap chemicals. Try and use a water based sunscreen if possible.
Don't wear contact lenses, which can trap irritating chemicals underneath.
Don't wear things that can easily be grabbed (ie. earrings or other jewellery, ties, loose hair)
Don't go to a protest alone, if you can help it. It is best to go with an affinity group or some friends who know you well.
Don't forget to eat food and DRINK LOTS OF WATER.
Advice from NUS’ Right To Protest guide on communicating safely and mobile phones
Before attending a protest you should weigh up the risks of using a mobile phone. Having a simple mobile device with you will help you and others stay safe. But depending on your privacy settings and the type of phone, it can also give away information about your identity, whereabouts, plans and friends.
You should be aware that some police forces, including the Metropolitan police, have been exposed for operating covert surveillance technology that can masquerade as a mobile phone network. It transmits a signal that allows authorities to shut off phones remotely, intercept communications and gather data about thousands of users in a targeted area. This technology is commonly referred to as an IMSI catcher.
Decide what is best for you. As it is not clear how you can protect your mobile from such technology, you might want to consider:
Alternative ways of staying in touch with friends
It is wise not to rely exclusively on your mobile device in any event as the signal may become poor, deliberately blocked, or monitored. Try to agree check-in times and meeting points with your friends in advance as part of your plan of action.
Encrypting your mobile phone and communications
For basic iPhone encryption: ‘Settings’, ‘General’, ‘Touch ID & Passcode’. Follow the prompts to create a passcode, when you’ve finished, ensure it says ‘Data protection is enabled’. This is no surety that it cannot be overridden by advanced technology.If you want to secure your communications there are a range of encrypted channels, including: ‘Signal’ and ‘Off the Record’, ‘Pretty Good Privacy’, ‘TextSecure’ or ‘ChatSecure’.
Please note, the materials available here - collated from multiple guides and personal experience - are for informational purposes only and not for the purpose of providing legal or medical advice.