Warning from the Chicago Police Department
HEY BIKE PEOPLE! THIS JUST HIT THE GRAPEVINE:
Friday's Critical Mass - A Message
Posted by Rob Sadowsky on
May 26, 2009 at 10:26am
A top Chicago Police deputy approached me Sunday and wants me to relay a message to Critical Mass participants.
He shared that the department is not interested in stopping Critical Mass, but it is concerned with two behaviors:
1. Drinking and drugs while riding.
2. Aggressive and violent activities, specifically concerned with this around corking.
Chicago Police will issue warnings and possibly tickets starting this Friday.
I also want to add that I think that the individual I talked with really did get what Critical Mass is about in principle and that was a bit enlightening and hopeful. I told him I’d pass the message along.
Rob Sadowsky
Executive Director
Active Transportation Alliance
rob@activetrans.org
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HERE'S SOME GOOD ADVICE FROM COPWATCH.ORG
---------------------- Information from the mail header -----------------------
Sender: Chicago Critical Mass
Poster: "Spencer \"Thunderball\" Thayer"
Subject: CPD Warning Us About Friday's Mass
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Thanks Rob! This is valuable information to supply us!
As a member of Copwatch I can assure you that some of us will be on the scene. However in large public demonstrations such as CCM we cannot possibly hope to be everywhere. I, personally not as a member of Copwatch, encourage everyone to assist in documenting the police activity/ticketing at Friday's mass.
Bring a note pad, write down the time the place (street intersection), the name and badge number of the officer, the name of the person being ticketed/arrested and try to get the name and contact information of any willing witnesses. This information alone can help get a bogus ticket thrown out. If you have a camera or video equipment and feel you should monitor the officers activities remember to never take the camera off of the officer directly engaging the suspect. NEVER
expressly film the suspect. The primary goal is to document Police activity.
BUT PLEASE BE CAREFUL!
1. DO NOT get in the officers way or block the traffic of the mass. Get onto a public sidewalk and remain as motionless and non threatening as possible. Stay at "a safe distance" from the officer. If the officer orders you to get back, get back.
2. Don’t inadvertently collaborate in a crime (don’t become a look-out, warning if police are coming, etc.)
3. Talking to cops is a bad idea. It may incriminate the suspect as well as give the police more information to use against yourself.
4. You have a right to photography videotape or observe anyone or anything on public property so do not let an officer convince you that you do not have this right.
5. Taking pictures or videotaping can be a problem if the detainee doesn’t want you to. Respect them. Tell them that you are working to discourage police misconduct. If this doesn’t satisfy them, turn off the camera. Remember that you are trying to better serve the people around you- not to catch Cops doing something bad- use your own judgment.
What to Do If You Are Stopped By The Police
1. Never resist even if you are innocent.
2. Do not make any statements in regards to the reason you are being stopped.
3. As soon as you are free to go, write down everything to the best of your memory.
4. If witnesses are present try to get their contact information in case you need them in the future.
5. If you are arrested immediately ask for your lawyer. Have a family member call 1-800-LAW-REP-4 for 24 hour access to an attorney.
6. Never run or make physical contact with any officer.
7. Remain calm and in control of all your actions and language.
8. If injured by the police immediately get medical attention and take photos of your injuries.
9.You must show your driver’s license, registration, and insurance ONLY WHEN IN A CAR. If you are not driving a vehicle and the Police ask for your identification the only information you MUST provide them is your real name, date of birth and legal home address. Other than that limited information you do not have to answer any additional questions, please use your judgment.
10. PLEASE NOTE: That the above information only applies when an officer is questioning you. If an officer states that they will detain or ticket you - YOU MUST PROVIDE THEM WITH ID. Otherwise they have the right to arrest you until they can confirm your identification.
11. You have the right to refuse consent to a search of your person. If the police claim to have probably cause restate that you do not consent to a search but do not resist. You have the right to demand to know the reasons for their probable cause - just don't expect it to be very detailed.
12. Do not interfere with or obstruct the police- you can be arrested for it.
