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MARSHAL TRAINING TIPS
This information is provided
as a reference and cannot replace a Marshal Training.
To facilitate the action as planned;
To act as an information source between planners and demonstrators;
To help demonstrators be safe while and feel good about demonstrating;
To act as a buffer between police, hecklers and bystanders.
Set up the moving picket; determine
picket perimeters;
Keep the picket moving and intact;
Watch the perimeters; be aware of police and others' movements;
Lead chants; intervene on behalf of picketers (If the picket is
barricaded there MUST be a way for people to enter and exit. This
is your legal right.);
Show legal area limits, should civil disobedience occur;
Stay calm; Keep people around aware of what's happening;
Wear an armband distinguishing yourself as a marshall.
Avoid carrying signs.
Be responsible for negotiating with the police for First Amendment
rights.
Front Marshals: lead at a slow pace, keep march moving steadily, watch for obstructions, help facilitate civil disobedience, if any occurs;
Side Marshals: block traffic at intersections (facing cars), watch perimeters, help facilitate civil disobedience, if any occurs;
Back Marshals: bring up the rear, set the pace, make
sure no one gets left behind.
What to do at street intersections:
Marshalls block traffic by forming a line across intersecting street;
(Many times the police will block traffic for us, but even if the police do this, then line up between the cops and the marchers).
Groups of marshalls need to get to the intersection first (leap frog other marshall lines to get to intersection).
Groups of 4 or 5 wait for the red light (when cars have stopped) and quickly slide out, holding hands, and FACE THE CARS.
When the march has gone by, don't dissolve until there is another red light to protect marshalls.
When you're rushing to get to the next intersection, try to make it seem as if you're not panicking or creating a riot.
Don't panic, ever.
Don't do the police's job, ever.
To protect property from damage;
To contain demonstrators, keep us from making a commotion.
What's Legal at An Action:
A moving picket on a public sidewalk with signs and chanting;
A sidewalk march with signs and chanting;
Handing out leaflets to passersby without blocking way.
What A Permit Is Needed For:
Sound amplification devices: The
worst charge for using a sound device is a summons -- equivalent
to a parking ticket -- police can also confiscate device)
Marching in the streets/street closure. (Usually ACT UP does not
get a permit because the police ask too many questions about what
we are doing, know too much about the action, and have too much
control over us.)
Police: Bluff and Stall*; Stop, stand and wait; Stop and sit.
*Bluff and Stall:
Tell the cop it's legal (whatever it is you're up to); Ask what
law you're breaking, ask how you're breaking it (Remember that
the police will not necessarily be truthful);
Demand to see their superior officer; send them to see their superior officer;
Keep insisting on your right to do what you're doing.
Remember that the cops are bluffing and stalling as well. The police don't necessarily want to arrest people unless you push them or threaten their dignity. If there is an injunction, ask for copies of it. The injunctions must show if there were any specific time and place restrictions.
If the march is large and well
organized, it is difficult for the police to start arresting people.
Hecklers: Face trouble; Isolate; Converse if possible, while
march goes past.
In case of violence: isolate, separate.
Bring vocal attention to violent, harassing cops (i.e. get crowd
to shout "shame, shame" while pointing at cop).
In case of a medical emergency: one marshal remains with injured
person, another gets police.
NEVER touch a police officer.
Try to be calm during a confrontation with a cop.
If the entire crowd is in danger or panicking, tell everyone to
SIT DOWN.
This keeps people safer and more non-threatening; it takes control
of the street space and allows you to regroup and regain composure.
While it's counter-intuitive, horses will not step on a person
sitting down.
The animals are more careful than the riders to look for firm
ground.
Also - Wear sturdy shoes and clothes!
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