The most important principle in defeating political repression is relying on the people to expose and fight each and every instance of it. With increasing levels of surveillance and repression being directed at people resisting, it is critically important that everyone engaging in political action remembers the basic rule: Don’t talk! Don’t ever talk to the police or any other law enforcement agencies.
Anything that you tell the police, even seemingly innocuous, can be used against you or others. The police can, and do, frequently lie, you can’t trick them, and they aren’t your buddies. If you get arrested, don’t say anything to the police other than your name and identifying information until you speak to a lawyer. Any lies you tell a police officer can be used against you and others.
If you’re stopped by the police and are unsure if the police (or other law enforcement agencies) are detaining you, ask: “Am I free to go?” If the cop says anything other than yes, follow up with: “Am I being detained?” If they say anything other than yes, then say that you do not want to talk further and leave immediately.
If you are being detained or arrested, say: “I am going to remain silent and I want to speak to a lawyer.”
If the police attempt to search you, it’s important to assert out loud: “I do not consent to this search.” The police can “legally” pat down the outside of your clothing but need a search warrant to search beyond that.
If the police or federal agents call you or appear at your home, don’t speak. You can say the following: “I’m not talking to you. I’d like to talk to my lawyer before I say anything to you. I have nothing to say to you. My lawyer will contact you.” Document the interaction, contact a lawyer, and know they are only legally allowed to enter if they have a warrant signed by a judge.
We know that people’s rights, including those supposedly guaranteed by the US constitution, are routinely violated. The police, ICE, the FBI, and other law enforcement agencies exist to protect and serve the ruling class and their empire. Knowing and exercising these rights isn’t a guarantee they won’t be violated, but it is a powerful tool in the fight against repression in the streets and in the courts.
Don’t say stupid shit! Don’t say anything in political meetings, on social media, or over text (yes, Signal included) that you wouldn’t want read out loud in a courtroom in front of a judge.
As the unjust prosecution of the Prairieland defendants and other cases show, the government will twist seemingly innocuous statements, jokes, and bragging into political prosecutions.
