• The concept of Copwatch is all in the name, we watch the police. Why do we watch the police? On the one hand, police officers often behave better if they know they are being observed by the public (even more so if we are prepared with video cameras). On the other hand, when police continue to abuse people, we are creating a record, acting as legal witnesses, and helping spread the word in our communities. The first Copwatch chapter was founded in Berkeley in 1990. Copwatchers picked up the police-monitoring tactics used by radical militant groups such as the Black Panthers and AIM, and combined them with an approach of non-violence and de-escalation to try to reduce harassment of homeless people in Berkeley. Today, there are Copwatch chapters all over the USA (and reportedly chapters in Canada, Australia and Germany). Each chapter is independent so the Copwatch program can adapt to local conditions and community needs. You don't have to be part of any organization to copwatch. The right to observe what goes on in the public space is protected by the first amendment. The police are public servants (ie they work for us), and it is important for us to keep an eye on them. Get in touch with us. Berkeley Copwatch would love to come to your organization, house, neighborhood, co-op, etc to do our free trainings on your rights with the police and how to document police misconduct. We are always looking for more folks interested in taking direct action to stop police misconduct.

Get Involved With Berkeley Copwatch

Copwatch De-Cal: Mondays 6-7:30pm 2022 Blake St. (off Shattuck) 2 units.

Copwatch General Meetings: Mondays 8pm 2022 Blake St.

Public Copwatch Shifts: Meet Thursdays 7pm, Ashby BART. Bring bike/car/feet/wheelchairs/etc

510-548-0425 <berkeleycopwatch CANNEDMEAT AT yahoo WHOA com> http://berkeleycopwatch.org

Do You Know Your Rights With the Police?

IF THE POLICE STOP YOU...

• Ask, “AM I FREE TO GO?” If not, you are being detained. If yes, walk away.

• Ask, “WHY ARE YOU DETAINING ME?” To stop you, the officer must have a “reasonable suspicion” to suspect your involvement in a specific crime (not just a guess or a stereotype).

• It is not a crime to be without ID. If you are being detained or issued a ticket, you may want to show ID to the cop because they can take you to the station to verify your identity.

• If a cop tries to search your car, your house, or your person say repeatedly that you DO NOT CONSENT TO THE SEARCH. If in a car, do not open your trunk or door – by doing so you consent to a search of your property and of yourself. If at home, step outside and lock your door behind you so cops have no reason to enter your house. Ask to see the warrant and check for proper address, judge’s signature, and what the warrant says the cops are searching for. Everthing must be correct in a legal warrant. Otherwise, send the police away.

• The cops can do a “pat search” (search the exterior of one’s clothing for weapons) during a detention for “officer safety reasons”. They can’t go into your pockets or bags without your consent. If you are arrested, they can search you and your possessions in great detail.

• DO NOT RESIST PHYSICALLY. Use your words and keep your cool. If an officer violates your rights, don’t let them provoke you into striking back. Wait until you are out of custody then you can organize for justice.

IF THE POLICE ARREST YOU...

• You may be handcuffed, searched, photographed and fingerprinted.

• Say repeatedly, “I DON’T WANT TO TALK UNTIL MY LAWYER IS PRESENT.” Even if your rights aren’t read, refuse to talk until your lawyer/public defender arrives.

• Do not talk to inmates in jail about your case.

• If you’re on probation/parole, tell your P.O. you’ve been arrested, but NOTHING ELSE.

REMEMBER You have legal rights, but many police will not respect your rights. BE CAREFUL – BE STREET SMART