Panic and paranoia are counterproductive — stop wondering what will happen, or why nothing’s happening. If we’re going to survive the ongoing collapse of capital and empire, we need to be able to identify our goals and catalyze the conditions they require.
Communities under threat from repressive institutions have been coming together for emergency self-defense and found out that they ended up with something even more important — a renewed sense of community care, trust in neighbors and inspiration.
Rapid response networks aim to document, obstruct, and expose to public scorn harmful federal, police and government repression. They can take the form of individual escorts, neighborhood watches, horizontally organized information sharing networks, or entire sub-communities ready to act effectively as they see fit.
Effective networks are composed of many different types of people from all walks of life: neighbors, coworkers, classmates. Anyone who frequently occupies, passes by, or visits endangered areas can provide eyes on the ground. Networks reach out to out high risk community members and figure out where support is most needed. Some communities conduct security trainings, legal support sessions, or mutual aid distribution for affected community members.
Existing networks have developed the SALUTE reporting protocol for information sharing via Signal or another encrypted messaging platform when anyone in the network witnesses potential police, ICE or other government repression:
Size (ex. 5 enforcement officers)
Activity (ex. stopping random people and demanding IDs)
Location/direction (ex. heading west from 123 Revolution Road, Berkeley CA)
Uniforms (ex. dark blue vests that read “POLICE” across the back)
Time (ex. 12:45PM February 11th)
Equipment and weapons (ex. they have helmets, vests, and batons)
Core response roles
Those nearby when something is reported message the group that they are on the way. Those who arrive can verify what is happening, and fill different roles (listed in order of importance)
- Cameraperson 1: Films and gathers information about victims
- Note-taker: Captures handwritten notes (including the victims’ full name and date of birth, as well as their immigration identification number or other relevant information)
- Cameraperson 2: Films cameraperson 1
- Dispatcher Liaison: Maintains communication with a hotline or group chat, ensures that all documentation/photos/videos are sent to coordinator(s)
- Community liaison: Explains the roles that volunteer responders play to community members, gather information from surrounding people
- ICE/police liaison: Attempts to obtain identifying information from ICE or police, deescalate the situation, and move ICE or police away from observers 1-3
Security considerations
Do not post videos of ICE or police raids where victims are visible or identifiable on social media without obtaining explicit consent from the individual affected or their families. Be ready for ICE or police to quickly escalate to violence or direct aggression towards observers.