How Do I Prepare My Phone for a Protest? (Updated 2024) – The Markup
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Simple steps to take before hitting the streets

Shared here for public benefit.

Before going to a protest, demonstrators or observers should note that their cellphones may subject them to surveillance tactics by law enforcement. If your cellphone is on and unsecured, your location can be tracked and your unencrypted communications, such as SMS, may be intercepted. Additionally, police may retrieve your messages and the content of your phone if they take custody of your phone, or later by warrant or subpoena.

      • Serinus@lemmy.worldEnglish
        81·
        1 day ago

        Why do you need an ID? Leave it in your car if you’re driving.

        I don’t think there’s a single state that requires you to actually carry documentation.

        https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stop_and_identify_statutes

        These are the states that require you to at least verbally state your name, and only if the officer has reasonable suspicion that you have or will commit a crime.

        They can ask your name. You may not have to answer.

        Research your state’s law on this before you go. It’s in the link.

        • MangoCats@feddit.itEnglish
          2·
          17 hours ago

          There’s legal requirements, then there’s practical dealings with officers in the field. Seems to me that these days if you’re “undocumented” you’re asking to be sent to processing which can be a quick trip to a center somewhere across the country, if that’s the mood they’re in. After you get out you can try to sue them, maybe even win, but how long before you collect your damages?

          • BigDanishGuy@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
            3·
            11 hours ago

            This. You’ve got to ask yourself, what your goal when interacting with law enforcement is. It it your goal to stand up for every right? Or do you want to get away for the interaction as easy as possible?

            Let me give you an example of what I mean. I Denmark police can stop and ID you without a cause. You don’t have to provide an ID, but you have to state your name, address, and birthday. If you don’t, then you’ll be arrested. Our SSNs consists of birthday and a checksum. You’re not required to state your SSN checksum, but if you do state it, the police will have to pay you if the stop is longer than 10min.

            So giving the police a little more than they’re entitled to, can get you out of the interaction a lot easier.

            Of course you can stand up for your rights, and if you want to fight, then do it. But it will make your day harder.

        • Xanthobilly@lemmy.worldEnglish
          11·
          1 day ago

          Regardless of the law, you can be detained by law enforcement if you cannot prove who you say you are until you can prove it.

            • MangoCats@feddit.itEnglish
              4·
              17 hours ago

              When they’ve got a cell full of detainees and they’re deciding who ICE is going to ship to “advanced processing” who do you think goes to the front of that line? I’m guessing it’s the “undocumented,” regardless of whatever laws you’re focused on.

                • MangoCats@feddit.itEnglish
                  1·
                  4 hours ago

                  I’m assuming the light/dark filter gets applied before they’re ever incarcerated, but yeah, plenty of pre-judgement goes on at all stages of police decision making.

    • Saleh@feddit.orgEnglish
      9·
      2 days ago

      Also bring an ID and some cash. E.g. to buy some snacks/meal/water if the day goes longer than you planned for.