Dealing with police harassment in the run up to the G8

In the run up to the mobilizations around the G8 summit there will be increased pressure on people involved in protesting activities both from the mainstream media and the police. Inevitably this will lead to individuals and groups being targeted by the state, especially those who are in publicly visible roles (or made so by the media).

A lot of this attention is not about ‘preventing crime’ but about intimidation and some intelligence gathering. As we get closer to the G8 itself we anticipate increased focusing on activists from all backgrounds and involvement. What we are strongly encouraging people is to expect this and be ready to deal with it.

Though we appreciate that coming under such attention whether at home or on the street is not pleasant (many of us have already been there), we believe it is vital that people in this situation should not allow the state to successfully intimidate in this fashion. By knowing your rights you can easily see off these attempts. In fact in many cases such visits or approaches actually tell us how poor police intelligence really is and that these attempts are more desperation than anything else.

The trick is to see through their basic intimidation to the fact that they actually have very little on us and it is we who are really in control. It is important to not become paranoid or overly concerned if you are on the receiving end of such a visit or approach. Allowing an approach by the police to put you off your activism is handing the state an easy and unnecessary victory. Ask yourself:
i) Just why are they doing this?
ii) Are they really giving anything away by letting you know that they know your name and address?
iii) If they were really watching you would they come out and let you know directly?

It is our opinion that these visits would seem to indicate that they don’t have very much information or 'intelligence' on those they visit. In fact they are actually fishing expeditions on their part and you should not be giving them any sort of information at all, no matter how innocent it may appear.

Finally, if you do give in to this pressure then you will encourage them in this tactic of harassment against activists in general. It is important that we stand up for our rights at all times.

Below is a collection of advice applicable to England and Wales on what to do and what your rights are if approached by the police.

There have also been instances where police have visited the homes of activists to offer the "opportunity" to become an informer. The advice below applies to these visits as to any you receive from them, but for more see the article at www.freebeagles.org/articles/grass.html

IF YOU RECEIVE A VISIT FROM THE POLICE
If you are visited by the police in connection with anything to do with the G8, we recommend people to do the following:

* Do not get into conversations of any kind with the police, even if they appear cordial or friendly with you. You didn't ask them to come to your door and they are not there to help you. Remember that their agenda is unlikely to be the same as yours no matter what they say to the contrary.

* Tell everyone, your friends, fellow activists etc. as soon as possible afterwards. The aim of these operations is to isolate and to intimidate. To make you think they are keeping a special eye on YOU. Do not be intimidated. There is nothing to be scared of. If the police thought you had broken the law they would simply arrest you, and take you to the police station, rather than perform a pantomime on your doorstep for your neighbours;

* Email The G8 Legal Support Group at  g8legalsupport@riseup.net with as many details as you have of what happened: ie. number of officers & their numbers if possible, what they said to you, if they gave you any correspondence or made you any 'offers'.

The "Activists Guide to Scots Law" can be downloaded from www.g8legalsupport.info This site will be updated in the coming weeks with additional info and advice relating to these matters in Scotland.

YOUR RIGHTS (ENGLAND & WALES)

1. Visited at home
There are a number of options under which the police can enter your property, however in this situation we will focus only on the situation where they are arriving to “talk” to you as opposed to arresting you. In this case, unless they have a warrant, you do not have to admit them.
a. If you see them knock at the door simply don’t answer it.
b. If you do, inadvertently, open the door to them demand to see their warrant or if you are under arrest. If they do not produce it, close the door in their face. Avoid answering their questions and cut them off where they do not answer yours.
c. Remember, they do not have a general right of entry and you do not have to let them in. You are perfectly entitled to demand that they leave your premises (including gardens, etc). You are not required to be polite to them either, though do not swear at them.
d. For a guide on the rights of the police to enter your premises see  http://www.freebeagles.org/articles/Legal_Booklet_4/lb4-7.html
e. Make a note of the time of the visit and the names/number of the officers involved.

2. Approached on the street
a. Much of the same principles as being visited at home. Unless they are
(i) arresting you,
(ii) searching you under some law
(iii) seeking your details to give you a summons for an offence,
(iv) they have reasonable grounds to suspect you of anti-social behaviour
you do not have to cooperate with them.

Remember, when being searched you are not always required to give your details. Note as well that the police will bluff on the law so if you challenge them directly to state the law they are hassling you under they will back down. Police will seize on any perceived doubt or weakness so show them that you are confident in facing them down even if you are nervous on the inside. It helps to remember that you are struggling for justice, while they are seeking to protect corrupt governments and destructive corporations. No matter what they say, they do not have your interests at heart.

b. Contrary to what they say, you are not required to carry ID or show it to them. Nor are you required to talk to them.

c. We strongly advise that do not engage in conversation with them, but walk away and seek out a crowded public place or friends. Avoid letting them isolate you. If necessary make a lot of noise and draw attention to yourself. If they suggest finding somewhere more private after they have identified themselves as police, refuse point blank and continue walking away.

d. If they continue to hassle you, inform them and demand their details so you can put in a complaint against their behaviour. Tell them politely that you have nothing to say to them and that they should leave you alone.

e. Once you have got rid of them, tell people about it, seek support and inform the G8 Legal Support Group. Keep in mind what we have said above about why they do this and not letting yourself be put off or intimidated by it.

f. For more detailed information on your rights and what you can do see  http://www.freebeagles.org/articles/Legal_Booklet_4/lb4-contents.html, especially sections 2 and 6.

We appreciate that these encounters are not particularly pleasant, but you can turn them on the head to have a laugh at them. If we treat them right then they can actually empower us. If you are feeling shaken by this event, consider talking to sympathetic activist friends or contacting the Activist Trauma group – see www.activist-trauma.net

If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to get in contact with us.

G8 Legal Support Group
www.g8legalsupport.info