Field Guide & Safety Protocols
Practical checklists, safety protocols, and professional scripts for responsible First Amendment auditing.
Your Safety is Paramount
These guidelines prioritize your safety and the safety of others. No audit is worth risking physical harm, legal complications, or escalation to dangerous situations. Always be prepared to disengage and leave if circumstances warrant it.
Pre-Audit Preparation Checklist
Research & Planning
Equipment & Safety
Location Research
- • Check Google Maps for property boundaries
- • Review posted signs and restrictions
- • Research previous incidents at location
- • Identify public parking and access points
Equipment Check
- • Camera/phone fully charged
- • Backup battery pack
- • Adequate storage space
- • Test recording quality
Safety Preparation
- • Inform someone of your plans
- • Set check-in times
- • Emergency contact readily available
- • Plan for weather conditions
On-Site Conduct Guidelines
Professional Conduct Checklist
✓ Professional Positioning
- • Remain on public property
- • Maintain respectful distance
- • Avoid blocking access routes
- • Position for clear documentation
- • Stay aware of surroundings
✓ Communication Standards
- • Speak calmly and clearly
- • Avoid confrontational language
- • Answer reasonable questions
- • State your purpose when asked
- • Listen to concerns expressed
⚠ Safety Boundaries
- • No physical contact or touching
- • Avoid personal insults or taunting
- • Don't interfere with official duties
- • Recognize escalation signs
- • Be ready to disengage
Police and Security Encounters
Traffic Stop Protocol
When Pulled Over:
- • Safely pull over and turn off engine
- • Keep hands on steering wheel
- • Remain calm and polite
- • Provide license, registration, and insurance if requested
- • You may record the interaction
Remember:
- • Traffic stops are temporary detentions
- • Follow officer instructions for safety
- • Address issues later through proper channels
Pedestrian Stop Guidelines
Key Questions to Ask:
- • "Am I free to leave?"
- • "Am I being detained?"
- • "What specific crime am I suspected of?"
- • "What law requires me to provide ID?"
Important Points:
- • Stay calm and don't argue
- • Keep recording if possible
- • Don't consent to searches
- • Ask for business cards/badge numbers
Building Security Interactions
Private Security:
- • Has no more authority than any private citizen
- • Cannot lawfully detain without witnessing a crime
- • Can ask you to leave private property
- • Cannot confiscate your recording equipment
Government Security:
- • May have law enforcement powers
- • Can enforce legitimate security restrictions
- • Must still respect constitutional rights
- • Ask for credentials and authority
Professional Response Scripts
"Why are you filming?"
Suggested Response:
"I'm exercising my First Amendment right to observe and record government activities in public spaces."
"Do you have ID?"
Suggested Response:
"I'm not required to provide ID unless I'm lawfully detained for a specific suspected crime."
"You need to stop recording."
Suggested Response:
"I have a constitutional right to record in public spaces. Is this a lawful order, and if so, what statute or law am I violating?"
"This is private property."
Suggested Response:
"I understand. Could you please show me the property line or posted signs? I want to ensure I remain on public property."
"You're causing a disturbance."
Suggested Response:
"I'm peacefully exercising my constitutional rights. What specific behavior do you find disturbing?"
Additional Response Tips:
- • Always remain calm and speak clearly
- • Avoid arguing or becoming defensive
- • Ask for clarification of any orders given
- • State facts, not legal interpretations
- • Know when to end the conversation and leave
Recording Equipment and Seizures
✓ Protecting Your Recordings
- • Use cloud auto-backup when available
- • Stream live to social media platforms
- • Consider multiple recording devices
- • Know your device's passcode protections
- • Inform others you are recording
⚠ If Equipment is Seized
- • Do not physically resist
- • Clearly state you do not consent
- • Ask for a receipt and case number
- • Document the seizure with witnesses
- • Contact legal counsel immediately
Legal Consideration
Courts have generally held that officers need consent or a warrant to search digital devices, but immediate seizure may be allowed under certain circumstances. Laws vary by jurisdiction. This is not legal advice - consult with an attorney for specific situations.
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