Start by not talking to cops, even if they’re just potential cops.
If you came with friends to an action then stick to talking with just your friends until you have more experience. If no friends then it’s better to go to events outside of protests to talk to folk.
Start by not talking to cops, even if they’re just potential cops.
I mean, I’m aware that’s considered good advice in general. FWIW though I’m assuming this is with 20+ protesters standing in easy earshot, not a private 1:1 conversation. Maybe there are better questions, or someone else should ask? Or is it better to ignore the potential cop? I feel like other protesters would want to be aware who is hiding among them.
Until you’re experienced in the situation it’s best to just ignore and keep distance. You can run the risk of fed-jacketing (calling someone a cop/fed without solid evidence). Observe others and learn from the experienced folk in your particular groups as to how this should be handled because it does vary from scene to scene.
This is also generally true for media/journalists. If you don’t have media training, don’t make a fool of yourself and by extension everyone else.
When you’re starting out, just get the feel for things and learn how to keep yourself and your friends safe. Learn how to calculate risk and threat model. Learn how to keep communication and coordination with friends in the chaotic environment.
Dawg asking someone in public to lift their shirt sounds exactly like something a cop would ask. Sketch, or something you saw in a show.
Ok, what’s a better way then? I flat out told you I don’t have experience with this.
Start by not talking to cops, even if they’re just potential cops.
If you came with friends to an action then stick to talking with just your friends until you have more experience. If no friends then it’s better to go to events outside of protests to talk to folk.
I mean, I’m aware that’s considered good advice in general. FWIW though I’m assuming this is with 20+ protesters standing in easy earshot, not a private 1:1 conversation. Maybe there are better questions, or someone else should ask? Or is it better to ignore the potential cop? I feel like other protesters would want to be aware who is hiding among them.
Until you’re experienced in the situation it’s best to just ignore and keep distance. You can run the risk of fed-jacketing (calling someone a cop/fed without solid evidence). Observe others and learn from the experienced folk in your particular groups as to how this should be handled because it does vary from scene to scene.
This is also generally true for media/journalists. If you don’t have media training, don’t make a fool of yourself and by extension everyone else.
When you’re starting out, just get the feel for things and learn how to keep yourself and your friends safe. Learn how to calculate risk and threat model. Learn how to keep communication and coordination with friends in the chaotic environment.