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For people interested in starting a Cop Watch in their neighborhood or in their city, we're providing a couple of training manuals from different cities to help you. We understand that different neighborhoods, cities and regions have different conditions so you might not be able to apply these things to your specific area, so just use these as ideas so you can create something that is effective to you.
Keep on Fighting Police Terrorism.
Berkeley COPWATCH HANDBOOK
An Introduction to Citizen
Monitoring of The Police
1
Table of Contents
Introduction 2
Who is CopWatch? 2
History of CopWatch 3
Purpose and Goals 4
The Law 5
Tactics 11
Shift Procedures 12
In Case Of Arrest 16
Technical Support 17
Police Radio Codes 19
Berkeley Police 20
UC Berkeley Police 22
This handbook is intended to introduce people to the main concepts
of police observation. It is far from complete and we certainly
learn more every day. It is true that in different parts of the country
and in different situations, the people will devise COPWATCHing
methods which better suit their own situation. Please use the
information in this handbook as a way of stimulating discussion
in your organization and providing a basis for forming your own
police monitoring project. It can be quite challenging and at times
rewarding. Good luck. Hope this helps.
We are a group of community residents and students who have become
outraged by the escalation of police misconduct, harassment
and brutality in recent years. We have joined together to fight for
our rights and the rights of our community by taking on the task
of directly monitoring police conduct. That’s right. We walk the
streets and watch the police. Although it is important to resist police
brutality by taking cops to court, filing complaints and having demonstrations,
we believe that it is crucial to be in the streets letting the
police know that THE PEOPLE will hold them accountable for their
behavior in the community. We have no single political or religious
belief. Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds. What
we share is the belief that citizen participation in these issues and
monitoring of the police is a crucial first step towards building a
movement capable of stopping police violence and of challenging
the increasingly powerful role of police in our society.
If you have been a victim of police abuse, witness abuse or are just
plain fed up with police misconduct and want to do something
about it, give us a call. We will train you to COPWATCH. We also
need artists, writers, researchers, outreach workers, organizers
and others to help. We are an all volunteer group so your help is
ALWAYS needed!
INTRODUCTION
WHO IS COPWATCH?
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COPWATCH was started in March of 1990 in response to escalating
abuse of people in the Telegraph Avenue area of Berkeley. At that
time, homeless people, young people of color and activists were all
experiencing increased harassment by police in an apparent effort
to “clean-up” the area. The policy of the city was to “improve” the
area and make it more appealing to wealthy tourists. (That meant
getting rid of the riff raff.) The people resisted.
The original group that responded to the situation decided that
it was most important to carefully document actual incidents of
misconduct and to use our presence as a deterrent to these types
of injustices. We have continued to patrol the Southside area and
to stand with the homeless and young people whenever we see
the police stopping them. Sometimes we have been arrested for
observing; sometimes we have been threatened. However, the police
are definately aware of Copwatch and, we believe, our presence
at certains times and places has prevented police from abusing
people’s rights (at least while the video camera was on!).
While we have continued to go out on Copwtch patrols, our activities
have become more varied over the years. We publish a
newsletter (Copwatch Report), conduct a weekly class through
UC Berkeley, provide support for victims of abuse, investigate
incidents and conduct “Know Your Rights” trainings for schools
and community groups.
We have a rich history. In 1991 we worked extensively to document
police brutality during the People’s Park riots. We protested the
introduction of rubber and wooden bullets into the Berkeley police
arsenal. We held demonstrations against the brutal beating of a
Berkeley Police Review Commissioner and organized a response
to the verdict in the Rodney King case in 1992 that drew over 2000
people. We have participated in various coalitions such as the one
that was formed when 19 year old Jerrold Hall was shot in the back
of the head by BART police officer Fred Crabtree in 1993. We have
worked with other groups to stop laws that discriminate against
poor and homeless people. Copwatch led the campaign to ban
police use of pepper spray in 1997 and we have organized to stop
the introduction of attack dogs into the BPD. 3
HISTORY OF COPWATCH
4
PURPOSE AND GOALS
I. To Reduce Police Violence Through Accountability
1. Directly observe the police on the street
a. Watch and document incidents
b. Maintain principles of non-violence while asserting the
rights of the detained person.
c. Be a witness for the detained person
d. Demonstrate citizen monitoring for those observing an
incident
e. Educate the public about police conduct
2. Follow up with public pressure in legal proceedings
a. Support brutality victims in defense of false charges
b. Encourage and assist people in filing complaints or
even suing police
c. Lobby to stop discriminatory legislation and policies that
increase police powers over people’s civil and human
rights
Berkeley Copwatch is the most recent in a long line of historic, grassroots
efforts to control the police including the Black Panther Party,
the Brown Berets and others. There are other organizations around
the country who are also taking up Copwatching in cities such as
Denver, Houston, Portland, New York, Tuscon and many others.
The movement for community-based responses to police brutality
is growing. With the 2004 release of our new training video, “These
Streets Are Watching”, there has been a surge in interest in citizen
monitoring of the police. To get a copy check our website www.
berkeleycopwatch.org or call our office at (510) 548-0425.
Currently, Copwatch is working with other groups in the low income
areas of Berkeley to coordinate a community justice forum where
residents can discuss conflicts and problem solve without intervention
from the local police. Our belief is that if we are to reduce police
misconduct,we must reduce community calls for service from the
police. We must begin to solve problems without the police whenever
possible. This is an experimental strategy and if you are interested
in helping or learning more, just give us a call!
THE LAW
II. To Empower and Unite The Community By
Looking Out For Each Other
1. Educate the community about their rights
a. Distribute literature and publish findings
b. Do Know Your Rights training and any other classes, forums,
demonstrations that can help the public understand the
real situation.
2. Expand community support for victims of police crime and
community based efforts to organize against brutality.
3. Encourage people to solve problems WITHOUT police intervention.
Explore alternatives to calling the police.
4. Encourage people to exercise their right to observe the police
and to advocate for one another.
It is helpful for COPWATCHers to have an understanding of a few
key legal concepts before going out to watch cops. You don’t have
to be a lawyer to document police activity, but if you want to be
more assertive about your rights and those of the community then
it is worth taking some time to become familiar with the law.
There are several sources of law. The ones that are most relevant to
COPWATCH are the state laws which are found in the California
Penal Code and local laws which are part of the Berkeley Municipal
Code (BMC).There are federal laws that you probably won’t
run into much on the streets. However, it is worth knowing that
everyone’s civil rights are, at least theoretically, protected under
the U.S. Constitution and federal law. In fact, the right to watch is
constitutionally protected activity based on our right to “freedom
of assembly”. Remember, if people are allowed to walk by on the
street, you are allowed to stop and watch what’s going on.
5
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TYPES OF STOPS
It is very important that you understand why an officer is stopping
someone and what their rights are when they are stopped. Determine
exactly what kind of stop the officer is making.
Consensual Stop
This is when the cop approaches and begins talking to you. The
cop may even ask to see your ID. You don’t have to show it. Ask
the cop “Am I free to go?” or “Am I being detained?”. You don’t
have to talk to the cop or even remain in the area unless the cop
says “No, you can’t go” and has a reasonable suspicion to detain
you. However, the cop doesn’t have to tell you why you are being
detained.
Detention
The police are allowed to detain you if they have a ”reasonable suspicion”
to believe that you have committed or are about to commit
a crime. The officer must have some reason for stopping you. They
can’t just say that you don’t look like you live in the neighborhood
or that they “had a hunch”. The detention should be limited in its
purpose and scope. They can conduct a pat search of the outside
of your clothing in order to check for weapons, but you DO NOT
HAVE TO CONSENT TO A SEARCH of your pockets or bags. You
do not have to answer any questions except to identify yourself
and give your address.
Arrest
This means that you are in police custody and you are being charged
with a crime. You will be thoroughly searched as part of the booking
process. You have a right to know why you are being arrested. Penal
Code section 841 says that “The person making the arrest must, on
the request of the person he or she is arresting, inform the latter
of the offense for which he or she is being arrested”. Even though
police often won’t tell you, you have the right to remain silent and
the right to a lawyer. Don’t give up these rights.
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These are minor offenses such as jaywalking, illegal parking, open
container of alcohol in public, being in certain parks after curfew,
being a minor in possession of spray paint or large marking pens,
etc. Whenan officer sees this kind of activity, s/he can ask to see ID.
If you have ID and you do not have any outstanding warrants, the
cop should just write you a ticket and be done with it. If you don’t
have ID on you, the cop HAS THE OPTION OF TAKING YOU TO
THE STATION TO VERIFY YOUR IDENTITY OR SIMPLY WRITING
YOU A TICKET AND LETTING YOU GO. This is up to the
officer. You aren’t supposed to have to go to jail for in- fractions in
and of themselves. You would not expect to be searched during
this kind of stop.
Misdemeanors
These are crimes punishable by up to a year in jail such as shoplifting,
trespassing, resisting, delaying or interfering with an officer
in the course of his/her duty. Expect that you will be searched,
arrested and taken to jail until you are either arraigned, bailed out
or released on your own recognizance. (O.R.ed) There are certain
misdemeanors where the officer has the discretion to write you a
citation or to take you into custody. Remember-don’t talk to the
officer about your case and do not discuss it with folks you meet in
jail. Sometimes people in jail can be used to get information about
your case (informants).
Felonies
These are major crimes punishable by a year or more in prison.
Murder, rape, robbery and many drug related crimes are considered
to be felonies. Expect that you will be searched thoroughly
and will be in custody at least until you are taken before a judge
and allowed to enter a plea (this is arraignment).
TYPES OF VIOLATIONS
Infractions
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EXTRA LEGAL INFO
Answering Questions
Legally, when a person is arrested or detained by a police officer,
he or she does not have to answer any questions to the officer other
than to provide a name and address.You have the right to remain
silent, but DO NOT lie to a cop. That is a crime.
Resisting or Obstructing an Officer
Penal Code Section 148.a states that “every person who willfully
resists, delays, or obstructs (any police officer) in the discharge or
attempt to discharge” of his or her duty, is punishable by fine or
imprisonment. The police will often threaten COPWATCHers with
this charge, but remember you do have the right to observe as long
as you are not attempting to interfere with the officer.
Use of Force to Effect Arrest
Section 835.a of the Penal Code explains that the only “legal” use
of force by an officer is that used in order to attain an arrest. “Any
peace officer who has reasonable cause to believe that the person
to be arrested has committed a public offense may use reasonable
force to effect the arrest, to prevent escape or to overcome
resistance.”
Assault by an Officer
Police brutality is defined in the Penal Code as, “Police breaches of
due process guaranteed by the physical abuse of citizens without
legitimate cause.” Section 149 of the Penal Code makes it illegal for
a cop to assault or beat any person “without lawful necessity.”
Police Search Powers
Police may detain someone if they have “reasonable suspicion” that
specific facts connect that person to a specific crime. In this case,
the cops can also pat someone down to feel for a weapon, and if
they feel something that feels like a weapon, they can go into that
person’s clothing to look for it. Otherwise the cops can only search
someone’s pockets, back pack, or belongings if that person:
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• Has been arrested for a specific crime,
• Has a search clause as a condition of probation, or
• Gives the police permission, which nobody is obliged to do.
Police Seizure Powers
Police may not confiscate someone’s belongings unless they are
illegal or that person has been arrested for a crime. If possessions
are confiscated, the California Penal Code entitles the owner to a
receipt (1535) and a return of the possessions after the resolution
of the case (1537). Any evidence obtained through the seizure
may be suppressed from being used in court if the seizure was
illegal. (1538.5)
Gang Profiling
Sometimes cops use petty laws to stop people in order to take
their pictures. These photos are often used to create files on people
and to portray people as “gang members”. Detaining people to
take photos merely because they are suspected gang members is
impermissible. (People vs. Rodriguez (1993) 21 Cal.App.4th 232.)
Panhandling
647.c There is no city ordinance in Berkeley against begging, although
in the California Penal Code it is illegal to “accost” people
for the purpose of begging. In Berkeley, a local ordinance known
as Measure O became BMC 13.37.020. This law makes it illegal to
“coerce, threaten, hound” people for money and it is a crime to
ask for money within ten feet of an ATM.
Lodging
647.i While there is no local ordinance, Berkeley does enforce the
California Penal Code provision against lodging in any building,
structure, vehicle, or place without the permission of the owner.
Trespassing
Section 602 of the California Penal Code outlines trespassing violations.
It is a violation to “refuse to leave after being asked to do so.”
However, Berkeley cops have been instructed to use BMC
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section 13.52.010 because this makes it a crime to “ENTER property
posted with a ‘No Trespassing’ sign”.The property owner may also
file a “No Trespassing” letter with the police which can be good for
up to 1 year. Also there is BMC 13.52.020 which makes it a crime
to refuse to leave or to return to a property after being asked to
do so by the owner or by a cop acting on their behalf. In order to
be cited, you either have to be in a posted area or someone has to
complain about you being there.
Drinking in Public
Berkeley Municipal Code makes it illegal for anyone to drink in
public (13.36.070). Being drunk or stoned in not illegal, unless that
person is unable to exercise care for their own safety or the safety of
others, or that person obstructs a sidewalk or street (647.f) Having
alcohol on your breath is NOT a crime.
Open Container
647(e) A city, county or city and county may provide that no
person who has in their possession any bottle, can or other receptacle
containing alcoholic beverage which has been opened or
partially consumed, shall enter, be or remain on the posted premises
of, including the posted parking lot immediately adjacent to
a liquor store or sidewalk adjacent to the posted premises. Also
BMC section 13.36.070
Bicycles
Riding a bike on the sidewalk is illegal (BMC 14.04.130). It is a
misdemeanor. Cops and juveniles in residential areas are exempt
from this provision. In Berkeley you must get a “bike license” at
the police station and you can get a ticket if you don’t have one.
Obstructing Sidewalk
(647c)Anyone who willfully and maliciously obstructs a street or
any other public place is guilty of a misdemeanor. There is a Berkeley
ordinance 13.36.010 which says that the sidewalk must actually
have been blocked and that there was an intention to do so.
Minors in Possession of Tobacco (308b)
It is unlawful for any person under the age of 18 years to purchase,
possess, use tobacco products, cigarette papers or any
other paraphernalia related to the use of tobacco products. (fine
is $75 or 30 hours of community service).
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TACTICS
EMPOWERMENT THROUGH
ACCOUNTABILITY
Our main tactic in COPWATCH will be to discourage police brutality
and harassment by letting the cops know that their actions are
being recorded and that they will be held accountable for their acts
of harassment and abuse. To this end we will:
• Record incidents of abuse and harassment
• Follow through on complaints
• Publicize incidents of abuse and harassment
• Work with the Police Review Commission
• Educate those who don’t believe that police harassment exists
DIFFUSE SITUATIONS
People don’t want to be arrested. As COPWATCHers, we don’t want
to escalate a situation to where police arrest someone as a way of
getting back at us. We want cops to treat people with respect and
to observe their rights. Often, cops forget that homeless people and
others actually have rights. We may need to remind them from time
to time. We must learn how to assert our rights and to encourage
others to assert their rights without endangering someone who is
already in some amount of trouble.
We do not attempt to interfere with officers as they make routine
arrests. We document and try to inform the cops when we feel that
they are violating policy or the law. Attempting to stop someone
from being arrested often has serious consequences for the person
being detained as well as for the reputation of COPWATCH as being
a non-violence based organization.
In a physical encounter with police, we must realize that the cops
have weapons, prisons, courts and judges to back them up. In
addition, we do not want people to be nervous when they see
COPWATCH coming to help them. We want to keep people from
going to jail in the first place and not send them to jail with more
serious charges.
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SHIFT PROCEDURES
EMPOWER THE COMMUNITY
As people on the streets serving the public, we are not only concerned
with the cops. We are concerned about the PEOPLE. Our
effectiveness as COPWATCHers will be greatly enhanced if we are
trusted by the community. During our shifts, we must try to get
to know the people who hang out on the street. For this reason we
will try to schedule people who know the area with those who are
newer to the scene. Building relationship is crucial. We can listen
to people and help when it is possible. This aspect of COPWATCH
depends on the willingness of the members to get to know and
appreciate the street community.
When the streets are quiet and there is no police activity, a COPWATCHer
can spend time distributing the “Know Your Rights”
cards or just getting to know people. Introduce yourself. Explain
to people that you are with COPWATCH and that you want to hear
their stories. If people know that you are trying to help and that
you care, that can be empowering.
Depending on how familiar and/or comfortable you are, you can
assist people with problems that arise. We want our community
to solve problems wherever possible WITHOUT POLICE INTERVENTION.
If you can help folks resolve a conflict, communicate,
understand each other you are doing great. It is crucial that we move
our communities away from the idea that we are totally dependent
upon police for justice and safety.
BEGIN SHIFT
You can do a walking shift, a bicycle shift or a driving shift.
Walking shifts are great for getting to know folks and having
lots of community interaction. Driving shifts get you to the
scene much faster. Be careful when driving to park your car
away from the police. Also:
• Be sure your warrant status, bike or car is up to date. Don’t
give the cops any opportunity to bust you. Assume that this
could happen.
13
• Identification can be very helpful if the police detain you.
• Have a partner for safety as well as good COPWATCHing. It
is VERY important not to confront the police alone. You must
have a witness and someone who can verify YOUR story in
case of a problem.
• Organize to meet your partner at a mutually agreeable time
and location.
• Make sure that you are not carrying anything illegal! No
knives, drugs, etc.
• Wear a COPWATCH identification badge
• Be sure that you or your partner brings things you will need
to COPWATCH:
Incident forms
COPWATCH Handbook
Complaint Forms (BPD and UCPD)
COPWATCH literature to distribute
Tape recorder, scanner, video recorder, cameras
Penal Code
DURING SHIFT
Shifts can last for approximately 3 hours. You and your partner can
decide where you will go if there has not been a request for CWers
to be in a certain neighborhood. Please be on time for your shift
as your partner is probably waiting for you. If you are unable to
work your shift please call your partner and the shift coordinator
so that you can get a substitute. Try to be on the street for as much
of your shift as possible (don’t spend an hour in a coffee shop). Be
where people can see and talk to you.
After each incident, take time to fully fill out the incident report
and return it to the office. We will enter this information into the
database.
As you observe a situation, one partner records what officers are
saying or doing, while the other one quietly gets information from
witnesses. Consult and share information. Get a firm grasp of the
situation FIRST. Record as much information as possible. Witness
names and numbers and badge numbers are most important. In
fact, every officer must wear either a number or a nameplate when
they are in uniform. (Penal Code section 830.10) It also helps to
14
write down when, where and what time the incident happened.
If there has been an injury, encourage the person to see a doctor
and take pictures of the injuries as soon as possible. Distribute
Copwatch literature while you are observing a stop so that people
understand that you are not just there to be entertained but are
actually trying to help.
Remember that you have the right to watch the cops. You don’t
have the right to interfere. Interfering with a cop is a violation of
penal code section 148 (delaying, obstructing or resisting arrest). If
a cop wants to send you a message, they will arrest you for 148 and
then, even if they don’t press charges, you still had to go through
the unpleasant experience of being arrested.
When you observe police remember that you don’t want to make the
cop more nervous than they already are. Keep your hands visible
at all times. Don’t approach an officer from behind or stand behind
them. Don’t make any sudden movements or raise your voice to
the cop. Try to keep the situation calm. You don’t want to get the
person in more trouble. If an officer tells you to step back, tell the
officer that YOU DO NOT WANT TO INTERFERE, YOU SIMPLY
WISH TO OBSERVE.
More Assertive Style:
• Ask victims if they know why they are being arrested or
detained
• Get the badge number. Ask the cop if you can’t see it.
• If the stop is vague, ask the cop to name the Penal Code Section
that they are enforcing.
• Have educational conversations with people standing around.
• Don’t piss the cop off if you can help it. Don’t let it get personal.
NO NAME CALLING!!!
• Identify yourself as ‘COPWATCH’.
• Try to stay until the stop is concluded. Remember that Rodney
King was just a traffic stop originally.
• If a person wants to take action, give them complaint forms or
refer them to the COPWATCH office.
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Principles: Non-violence:
• Be polite to everyone you meet including the police. Don’t
insult or incite them. This is counterproductive.
• Don’t carry anything illegal or give cops an opportunity to
bust you for non-COPWATCH activity.
• Of course no weapons, knives, drugs, etc. Do not COPWATCH
if you have had alcohol.
• Don’t yell. Speak in a calm, audible voice. Avoid quick or
sudden movements when you are around cops. Don’t run to a
scene. Walk.
• Remain visible to the officer at all times. Keep your hands visible
at all times, too. Do not use flash cameras or video lighting
when officers are engaging in a routine stop of someone.
• If a stop escalates into unnecessary use of force use whatever
tools at your disposal to record and document the situation.
• Don’t assume who is right and who is wrong. Observe and
document before taking action.
• Try to be helpful to the citizen being stopped without making
his/her situation worse. Our goal is to defuse the incidents of
harassment and violence, not escalate them.
Be Careful:
• Don’t inadvertently collaborate in a crime (don’t become a
look-out, warning if police are coming, etc.)
• Don’t let people use the COPWATCH name to shield illegal
stuff.
• You may get arrested at times, but if you are doing good
COPWATCHing the organization will support you.
• Talking to cops is a bad idea. It can undermine your credibility
with the community as well as giving the police information
about you and the group.
• 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 stop police misconduct. If this doesn’t
satisfy them, turn off the camera. Remember that you are
representing COPWATCH with every act and every word.
Those that come after you will have an easier time if you do
your job well.
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IN CASE OF ARREST
If you are arrested, the police must tell you why you are being
arrested. You will want to get the badge number of the officer
who is arresting you and remember- you have the right to remain
silent. Don’t talk about your case to anyone except your
lawyer- there are lots of video cameras and informants in jail!
The court must provide you with a lawyer if you can’t afford
one. You have the right to speak to a lawyer before arraignment.
If you are arrested, you will be searched with or without
your permission. As soon as possible, and in no case later
than three hours after booking, you have the right to three
phone calls: to a friend or relative, to a lawyer and to a bail
bondsman.
IF SOMEONE ELSE IS ARRESTED
Find out where they are being held, what the charges are
and how much bail will cost call the following:
Alameda County District Attorney: 268-7500
Alameda County Public Defender : 268-7400
Berkeley Jail: 981-5766
UC Jail : 642-6760
Berkeley Police Review Commission : 981-4950
E ND SHIFT
Return completed incident reports to the office. Be sure that they
are legible and that you put your name on it in case office people
need to do follow-up. Return scanner and any other equipment
to the office for the next COPWATCHers to use. Please check the
equipment and leave a note if there is anything wrong with it.
• Don’t make promises that you/we can’t keep. Don’t tell
people that we will get them a lawyer, take the cops to court,
etc. Tell people that we will work with them to get justice.
Invite them to a meeting.
• Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know” if you are asked legal
questions. Better that than giving out wrong information.
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TECHNICAL SUPPORT
VIDEO CAMERA
COPWATCH uses a variety of videocameras. Some are digital
others are semi-digital. This handbook can’t teach you how to be
a skilled videographer, but here are some points to keep in mind
when filming:
• Don’t film people who obviously don’t want to be filmed. Tell
people you are with Copwatch and ask their permission. We
want them to know we are there to support them.
• Don’t film criminal conduct if you see any. Focus on the
police.
• When you film, try not to record yourself getting into arguments
with the police. It is very frustrating when we have
good footage of an event, but a hostile commentary from the
videographer. Try to let the situation speak for itself. Let your
partner do the talking if it is necessary.
• Be sure to date and time stamp the footage (press the button
which gives the date and time on the screen.). Try to video
location markers, street signs etc. to veriify the location.
• If you do film anything significant please transfer the footage
to VHS tape and label it properly. If you can’t do this then tell
someone in COPWATCH who can.
• You have the right to videotape, despite what some cops will
tell you. If people or cops are in a public place, they don’t
have a reasonable expectation of privacy so you can tape
them. You can not make audiotape recordings of people without
their knowledge.
Police Scaner
The scanner is a portable radio that is used to monitor police
radio communications. There are 1000 channels in the scanner,
each tuned to a frequency used by either UC or Berkeley police.
The scanner controls that a COPWATCHer may want to use are
described here:
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VOLUME: This knob is on the top of the scanner and it adjusts
the volume coming out of the speaker or headphone. It also
turns off the scanner so remember this when you are finishing
your shift.
SQUELCH: This knob, right next to the volume knob, is adjusted
to cut out the static between messages. Its like the mute button on
an FM tuner.
MANUAL/SCAN: These are two buttons on the front of the scanner.
When the scanner is first turned on, it is in scan mode, meaning that
it flips through all 1000 channels repeatedly until it comes to a channel
being used. It will monitor this channel until the transmission is
ended and then resume scanning. Sometimes, you might want to
stay on just one channel to monitor an important exchange. To do
this, press the MANUAL button. The scanner will stay on the current
channel. Every time you press the MANUAL button, you go up one
channel. Pressing the SCAN button resumes scanning.
When using the scanner, you are basically listening for locations.
You want to find out WHERE to go to observe the police. Don’t be
distracted by all of the other conversation happening on the scanner.
Also, in recent years, the police have reduced their use of radios
and rely more on cell phones and computer terminals in their cars.
Don’t worry if you aren’t hearing much. There might not be much
going on.
If the scanner starts to act funny, the batteries are probably going
dead. It uses four AA batteries. If you have to buy batteries while on
shift, save you receipt so that we can reimburse you later.
Also, try to be discreet when using the scanner. It can easily make
people on the street think that you are a cop or are working in some
official capacity for the state. Keep it in your backpack and use it
like you would a walkman.
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POLICE RADIO CODES
Ten-1 Message not understood
Ten-2 S ignal is good
Ten-3 S top transmitting
Ten-4 Message received (OK)
Ten-5 Relay info to _________
Ten-6 S tation is busy
Ten-7 Out of service
Ten-8 In service
Ten-9 Repeat last message
Ten-10 Negative (“no”)
Ten-11 _______in service
Ten-12 S tand by
Ten-13 Report________conditions
Ten-14 Information
Ten-15 Message delivered
Ten-16 Reply to message
Ten-17 E nroute
Ten-18 Urgent
Ten-19 Contact________
Ten-20 Unit location
Ten-21 Call by phone
Ten-22 Cancel last message
Ten-23 Arrived at scene
Ten-24 Assignment completed
Ten-25 Meet ___________
Ten-26 E stimated time of arrival is _______
Ten-27 Require information on license
Ten-28 Require vehicle registration information
Ten-29 Check recoords
Ten-30 Use caution
Ten-31 Pick up
Ten-32 Units requested
Ten-33 E mergency! Help needed
Ten-34 Correct time
20
BERKELEY POLICE
Chief
C-1 Hambleton
Deputy Chief
C-5 Fleming
Captains
C-2 Pittman
C-3 Gustafson
C-4 Miller
Lieutenants
L-1 Yuen
L-2
L-3
L-4 Lee
L-5 McBride
L-6 Ahearn
L-7 Williams
L-8 Hester
L-9 Agnew
L-10 Harris
L-11 Lui, A
Sergeants
S-1
S-2 Odom
S-3 Gordon
S-4 Rolleri
S-5 Lindenau, D.
S-6 Kusmiss
S-7 Soo
S-8 Schofield
S-9
S-10 Nonoguchi
S-11 Spiller
S-12
S-13 Juster
S-14 Reece, D.
S-15 RETIRED
S-16 White, D.
S-17 Sanchez
S-18 Greenwood
S-19 Sabins
S-20 Rateaver
S-21 McWhorter
S-22 Delaney
S-23 Montez
S-24 Kent
S-25 Ross
S-26 Dougherty
S-27 Hart
S-28 Frankl, D.
S-29 Upson
S-30 Morizono
S-31 Files
S-32 Delaluna
S-33 Murray
S-34 Curtin
S-35 Craig
Patrol Officers
1 Fomby
2 Fleming, S.
3 Smith, B.
4 Anderson, R.
5 Jones, John
6 Reece, K.
7 Castillo
8 Hamilton
9 Heist
10 Singh
11 Jung
12 Kelly
13 Jamison, M.
14 Marble
15 Nutterfield
16 Brown, G.
17 White,B.
18 Bjeldanes
19 Mckinney
20 Waite
21 Hartley
22 Huynh
23 O’Donnell
24 Wilson, J.
25 Frankel, A.
26
27 Huerta
28
29 Meredith, MI.
30 Durbin
31
32 DeBlasi
33
34 Cummings
35 Anderson, P.
36 Morillas
37 Jackson
38 Roland
39 Castle
40 Mah
41 RETIRED
42 Lau
43 Clem
44
45 Counts
46 Chu
47 Ledward
48
49 Hawk
50 Rollins
51 Marin
52 Newton
53 Roberds
54 McIntosh
55
21
56 Mesones
57 Kishiyama
58
59
60 Onciano
61 Pagle
62 Rittenhouse
63
64 Kawana
65
66 White, S.
67 Grove
68
69 Montgomery
70
71 Okies
72 Luttrell
73
74 Parsons
75 Ferrera
76 Warren
77
78 Galvan
79 Speelman
80 Mathis
81 Roe
82 Lui, T.
83 Westerhoff
84 Wellington
85 Loverro
86 Hong
87
88 Kacalek
89
90 Philips, A.
91
92 Tate
93 Wilson, E.
94 Jeremiason
95 Melero
96 Pierantoni
97 Luna
98 Haley
99 Del Rosario
100 Martinez
101 Ordaz
102 Meredith, MA.
103 Allen
104 Frost
105 Magee
106 Bledsoe
107 Crews
108 Emelson
109 Kaplan
110 Louis
111 Bashan
112 Kassebaum
113 Brown, R.
114 Marangoni
115 Wilson, B.
116 Baber
117 Rafferty
118 Nabozny
119 Dozier
120 Shannon
121 Manning
122
123 Belveal
124 Bekel
125 Collins
126 Cardoza
127 Lewis, J.
128 Ramey
129 Lindenau, C.
130 Rego
131 Gomez
132 Smith, K.
133
134 Stines
135 Buckheit
136 Pon
137
138 Burcham
139 Murphy, E.
140 Raab
141 Salas, S.
142
143 Cocke
144
145 Pajon
146 Friedman
147 Gravette
148 Cutler
149 Libed
150 Derry
151 Rowland
152 Perkins
153
154 Bartalini
155 Neff
156 Ettare
157 Linegar
158 Landrum
159
160 Jones, J.
22
UC BERKELEY POLICE
BADGE NUMBERS
Chief
C1 Harrison
Captains
C2 Foley
C3 Cooper
C4 Beckford
C5 Carroll
Lieutenants
L6 Tejada
L7 Celaya
Sergeants
S10 Eubanks
S11 Ferrandini
S14 White, C.
S16 Quan, A.
S17 Shipman
S19 Macedo
S20 Wng, D.
S21 Hickman
S22 Alberts
S23 Dillard
S26 Powell
S27 West
S29 Tejada, E.
Officers
30 Kochis
31 Orsolino
32 Schenk
34 Kelly, J.
35 Edmands
36 Chichester, C.
37 Sifuentes
39 Fletcher
43 Torres
44 Braunecker
45 Collom
46 Winham
47 Brashear
48 Marble
49 Bowers
50 Roby
51 Chichester, L.
56 McAllaster
57 Cooke
58 Wing, T.
59 Syto
60 Samuels
61 Sprecher
63 Ichimaru
64 Ibrahim
66 Jones
67 Miceli
70 White, B.
71 Kelly, M.
73 Tucker
74 Moody
75 Moore
76 Aranas
78 Milani
79 Huff
80 Bauer
82 Lechmanik
83 Barrientos
85 Alegre
86 Dickinson
87 Chapman
89 Thiel
93 Folster
95 Bloch
97 Jaques
98 Manchester
C PWATCH
2022 BLAKE STREET
BERKELEY, CA 94704
(510) 548-0425
berkeleycopwatch@yahoo.com
===================================================================
Phoenix CopWatch
Training Manual
Phoenix Copwatch
PO Box 1543
Phoenix, AZ 85001
602-241-6353
Don’t Join Copwatch
Please read this before you consider becoming a part of Copwatch.
Don’t join Copwatch if…
• You’re a cop.
No employees of any law enforcement agency may be a part of Copwatch. Copwatch is an all-civilian group.
• You’re a hothead.
Copwatch is not a game. We are going against a well-trained, heavily-armed organization that is prone to violence and racism, and all we have to defend ourselves is a camera, a notepad, and the law. If you decide you want to take on the police by cussing them out, insulting them, or getting in their face, you put all other Copwatch members as well as the people being held by the police in danger, which means you put the entire Copwatch program in danger. If you can’t keep your cool and be disciplined, even in the face of a racist, aggressive cop, then Copwatch isn’t for you.
• You want revenge on a cop or just to scrap with them.
Copwatch does not initiate violent confrontations with the police. Observing and recording their actions is all that is necessary to fight police brutality and racism on the streets. In cases in which the police attack arrestees or members of Copwatch, we support an individual’s right of self-defense, but our job is not to start or incite any fights.
• You want to “dialogue” with the police.
Copwatch’s goal is not to work with the police. Our task is to monitor them for racism and abuse. The only way to do that is to remain completely independent from them. If you want to work with the police that’s fine, but this is not the organization to do it.
• You’re not willing to make a serious commitment to Copwatch.
This is potentially dangerous activism. If you slough off on your responsibilities, other people can get hurt. We need to be disciplined, well-trained, know the laws, and know our rights. This takes practice and a bit of study in addition to going out on regular patrols. You need to be able to commit to doing these things. That said, if you have legal, moral, or personal reasons to avoid any confrontation with the police and/or the possibility of arrest, there is still a place for you in Copwatch. We’re going to need help with legal defense, fundraising, helping file complaints, training new members, public relations, etc. If you are serious about joining Copwatch but can’t go out on patrols, we can find a place for you.
• You can’t work in a democratic organization.
Free discussion and criticism is vital for any grassroots political group. It’s also our best defense against police infiltration. All members of Copwatch have an equal voice in making all major decisions for the organization. If you have a hard time listening to the suggestions and criticisms of others, if you tend to speak out of turn or interrupt others, or if you get impatient with meetings, then Copwatch may not be for you.
Phoenix Copwatch Principles, Rules and Program
[Revised and approved at 2/22/02 Copwatch meeting]
I. Principles
1. The struggle against police brutality is a struggle against racism. We believe that police brutality is widespread in our communities and that much of it is directly related to the long history of white supremacy in this country. Therefore, we consider the struggle against police brutality to also be a struggle against racism.
2. The goal of Copwatch is to observe and record the police when they interrogate people on the streets, and to offer assistance to victims of police abuse when we can.
3. Copwatch does not provoke confrontations with the police. We do support the principle of self-defense against police attacks.
4. Copwatch is opposed to all forms of oppression, even though we are organized to fight one specific form of oppression, police abuse.
5. Copwatch is an independent organization. We do not work with any law enforcement agencies, other government agencies, or political parties.
6. Copwatch is a democratic organization. All members have an equal say in all matters, discussions and decisions relating to Copwatch. Copwatch has no permanent officers.
II. Rules
1. Membership
a. We do not discriminate against any person because of his or her race, gender, sexuality, age, or disability.
b. Members of any political party are welcome to work in Copwatch as individuals, but not as party representatives.
c. No employees of law enforcement agencies—public or private—may participate in Copwatch.
2. Member Responsibilities
All members of Copwatch are expected to:
a. Be in general agreement with the Copwatch principles and program.
b. Complete the Copwatch training sessions.
c. Follow all Copwatch rules and procedures.
d. Be knowledgeable of all information necessary to conduct a Copwatch patrol, including the relevant laws, the specific tasks of each Copwatch position, etc.
e. Commit to at least 1 patrol per month (or some other aspect of Copwatch work), as well as at least one meeting every month.
f. Maintain regular contact with her or his team coordinator. If a member does not stay in contact with her or his coordinator or go on a patrol in three months, the coordinator may require the member to retrain.
3. Weapons and illegal substances
a. No member may possess any type of drugs or be under the influence of any drug while on a Copwatch patrol.
b. No member may possess any type of weapon while on a Copwatch patrol unless the entire patrol is aware of it and in agreement with such possession.
4. Amending Copwatch rules, principles, and program
a. The rules, principles, and program of Copwatch can be amended by a majority vote (taken at official Copwatch meetings with a quorum) of all those who have satisfactorily met member responsibilities (see part 2.) and are therefore considered members of Copwatch.
III. Positions
A. Copwatch has no permanent officers but it does have several positions. These positions are to be rotated when the organization sees fit. Positions may be filled through volunteering, lot, or election.
B. Positions include:
1. Meeting secretary: This person is responsible for taking and posting minutes of the meeting, informing members of upcoming meetings (via phone and email), and collecting agenda items for upcoming meetings. The position rotates every three months, with the previous secretary choosing the next secretary (the person chosen must consent to serving in the position).
2. Treasurer: This person is responsible for Copwatch’s finances.
3. Equipment manager: This person is responsible for making sure that Copwatch equipment is always ready to go for each patrol. Responsibilities include maintaining all equipment (recharging batteries, buying supplies, etc.), backing up cassettes on to videotapes, keeping Copwatch literature in stock, distributing shirts to new members, etc.
4. Training coordinator: This person is responsible for seeing that all Copwatch members are properly trained. Responsibilities include ensuring that regular trainings are scheduled throughout the year, training the trainers, scheduling annual retraining sessions, updating the Copwatch contact sheet and making sure new members are added to the email list-serve, and for assigning new members to teams after their second training (this includes scheduling a third and final training with the team coordinator).
5. Team coordinator: Each team will have at least one coordinator. This person is responsible for arranging her or his team’s patrols. Responsibilities include organizing at least one patrol a month, ensuring the active status of each team member, arranging third trainings for new members, and working with the training coordinator to ensure inactive members get retrained before being activated. Team coordinators may require a team member to retrain if the member has not been in contact with the coordinator for three months or more.
IV. Program
Copwatch demands:
1. An end to all police brutality, by any means necessary.
2. The creation of civilian review boards, run by citizens (no cops) and vested with full investigation and punitive powers in cases of police abuse of authority, to be established in each city in the Valley.
3. An end to shoot-to-kill police policies among Valley police forces.
Roles in Copwatch
1. Patrolling Phase
Driver: Drives safely and legally to and from the scene; helps Navigator assess drive-by’s. Needs to know the area, be good at taking directions, and have current insurance/license/registration. Car needs to have seat belts, be in generally good shape and be clear of drugs.
Navigator: Helps driver with directions; watches traffic; reads the map; assesses drive-by’s. Needs flashlight and city map.
Scanner Reader: Works the scanner, listening to calls. Shouts out info to the Notetaker and suggests possible calls to respond to. Needs a flashlight and the police codes sheet, and needs to know how to use the scanner well.
Notetaker: (1 or 2 persons) Takes notes of calls called out by Scanner Reader (address, type of call, police codes). Needs pen, notepad, flashlight, police codes sheet.
The determination of which calls or drive-by’s to take will be made by everyone as a group.
2. Intervention Phase
For all roles in the Intervention Phase: Do not argue with the police or talk to them unless necessary. Give your name and birth date and refer all other questions to the Intervener. Do not provide information not legally required by law.
Intervener: Approaches first and addresses the scene with the following dialogue:
“We’re from Copwatch. We are not cops or part of any law enforcement agency. We are an all-volunteer group of people who observe the police in order to prevent police brutality and harassment. We’re going to observe and videotape the situation and make sure the police don’t hurt or harass you.”
The Intervener addresses the police only when needed, and shields the Camera person should an officer advance threateningly. Questions an officer’s actions in non-threatening language loud enough for the recording. Needs basic knowledge of constitutional rights, good judgment and the ability to speak clearly under pressure.
Camera person: Operates video camera, taping the entire intervention from a position behind the Intervener. Must know how to use the video camera and be aware of what is most important in recording an intervention, such as the interaction between officer and person being stopped or between officer and Copwatch member(s). Must remain aware of the need to protect the camera, and maneuver to use the Intervener as a shield from attempts to take or damage the camera. Should an officer advance threateningly and get past the Intervener, the Camera person should assume the role of Intervener in questioning an officer’s actions in a voice loud enough for the recording.
Notetaker: Fills out the Incident Report Sheet as completely as possible, including location, date and time, officer names and badge numbers, vehicle license plate numbers and other details relevant to the intervention. Takes detailed notes of the intervention as it’s happening. Shields the camera person when necessary. Assumes the role of intervener should something happen to the original Intervener.
Still Photographer: Approaches last and photographs incidents, particularly altercations with the Camera person.
Propaganda/public relations: Talks to bystanders and hands out Copwatch literature and bust cards. Spreads the word as to who Copwatch is and what we do.
Second camera person: Videotapes the entire scene from a distance, preferably out of the range of any police officers. Videotapes the intervention as well as any police-Copwatch interactions. Stays a safe distance away from the intervention so as to protect the videotape.
Responding to an Officer’s Threats to Arrest You
1. “You’re resisting arrest.”
Reply: No we’re not. No one here is using or threatening to use physical force against any officer here, nor are we creating any substantial risk of causing you physical injury.
Key words: physical force, substantial risk
Reference: Arizona Statute 13-2508
2. “This is an unlawful assembly.”
Reply: Not, it’s not. We are not starting a riot. We are not recklessly using physical force or violence or threatening to use force or violence.
Key words: riot, physical force, violence
References: Arizona Statute 13-2902 (unlawful assembly); 13-2903 (riot classification)
3. “You’re committing disorderly conduct.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not refusing any order to disperse. We are stepping away as you requested, we’re not in you’re way, and we’re not obstructing public safety. We are standing a safe distance away.
Key words: refusal, order to disperse
Reference: Arizona Statute 13-2904
4. “You’re obstructing a public thoroughfare (street, sidewalk, etc.).”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not creating a public hazard or inconvenience. We are performing a public service. We are not obstructing traffic.
Key words: public hazard, obstructing traffic
Reference: Arizona Statute 13-2906
5. “You’re interfering with a police officer.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not obstructing, resisting, or opposing you. We are not threatening any officer’s safety. All we are doing is legally observing you and recording your actions.
Key words: obstructing, resisting, opposing
Reference: Phoenix Code Section 23-18
6. “You’re obstructing governmental operations.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not threatening or using physical force or violence, nor are we obstructing, impairing, or hindering you. We are not threatening any officer’s safety. All we are doing is legally observing you and recording your actions.
Key words: physical force, violence, obstructing, impairing, hindering
Reference: Arizona Statute 13-2402
7. “You’re assaulting a police officer.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not knowingly or recklessly causing physical injury to you or any other peace officer, nor are we placing anyone here in any imminent danger of physical injury. No one here is touching you or trying to touch you. We are not threatening any officer’s safety.
Key words: physical injury, imminent danger, touching
Reference: Arizona Statute 13-1203, 13-1204
8. “You’re interfering with our ability to apprehend the suspect.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not preventing or hindering you from performing any of your duties. All we are doing is observing the situation from a safe distance.
Key words: hindering, preventing
Reference: Arizona Statute 13-2510
Arizona Statutes
Taken from ALIS Online, 6/24/99 (http://www.azleg.state.az.us/ars/ars.htm)
13-411. Justification; use of force in crime prevention
A. A person is justified in threatening or using both physical force and deadly physical force against another if and to the extent the person reasonably believes that physical force or deadly physical force is immediately necessary to prevent the other's commission of arson of an occupied structure under section 13-1704, burglary in the second or first degree under section 13-1507 or 13-1508, kidnapping under section 13-1304, manslaughter under section 13-1103, second or first degree murder under section 13-1104 or 13-1105, sexual conduct with a minor under section 13-1405, sexual assault under section 13-1406, child molestation under section 13-1410, armed robbery under section 13-1904, or aggravated assault under section 13-1204, subsection A, paragraphs 1 and 2.
B. There is no duty to retreat before threatening or using deadly physical force justified by subsection A of this section.
C. A person is presumed to be acting reasonably for the purposes of this section if he is acting to prevent the commission of any of the offenses listed in subsection A of this section.
13-1203. Assault; classification
A. A person commits assault by:
1. Intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing any physical injury to another person; or
2. Intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury; or
3. Knowingly touching another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke such person.
B. Assault committed intentionally or knowingly pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 1 is a class 1 misdemeanor. Assault committed recklessly pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 1 or assault pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 2 is a class 2 misdemeanor. Assault committed pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 3 is a class 3 misdemeanor.
13-1204. Aggravated assault; classification
A. A person commits aggravated assault if the person commits assault as defined in section 13-1203 under any of the following circumstances:
1. If the person causes serious physical injury to another.
2. If the person uses a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
3. If the person commits the assault after entering the private home of another with the intent to commit the assault.
4. If the person is eighteen years of age or more and commits the assault upon a child the age of fifteen years or under.
5. If the person commits the assault knowing or having reason to know that the victim is a peace officer, or a person summoned and directed by the officer while engaged in the execution of any official duties.
6. – 10. etc.
11. If the person commits assault by any means of force which causes temporary but substantial disfigurement, temporary but substantial loss or impairment of any body organ or part, or a fracture of any body part.
B. Except pursuant to subsection C of this section, aggravated assault pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 1 or 2 of this section is a class 3 felony except if the victim is under fifteen years of age in which case it is a class 2 felony punishable pursuant to section 13-604.01. Aggravated assault pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 11 of this section is a class 4 felony. Aggravated assault pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 7 of this section is a class 5 felony. Aggravated assault pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9 or 10 of this section is a class 6 felony.
C. Aggravated assault pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 1 or 2 of this section committed on a peace officer while the officer is engaged in the execution of any official duties is a class 2 felony. Aggravated assault pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 11 of this section committed on a peace officer while the officer is engaged in the execution of any official duties is a class 3 felony. Aggravated assault pursuant to subsection A, paragraph 5 of this section resulting in any physical injury to a peace officer while the officer is engaged in the execution of any official duties is a class 5 felony.
13-2402. Obstructing governmental operations; classification
A. A person commits obstructing governmental operations if, by using or threatening to use violence or physical force, such person knowingly obstructs, impairs or hinders:
1. The performance of a governmental function by a public servant acting under color of his official authority; or
2. The enforcement of the penal law or the preservation of the peace by a peace officer acting under color of his official authority.
B. This section does not apply to the obstruction, impairment or hindrance of the making of an arrest.
C. Obstructing governmental operations is a class 1 misdemeanor.
13-2403. Refusing to aid a peace officer; classification
A. A person commits refusing to aid a peace officer if, upon a reasonable command by a person reasonably known to be a peace officer, such person knowingly refuses or fails to aid such peace officer in:
1. Effectuating or securing an arrest; or
2. Preventing the commission by another of any offense.
B. A person who complies with this section by aiding a peace officer shall not be held liable to any person for damages resulting therefrom, provided such person acted reasonably under the circumstances known to him at the time.
C. Refusing to aid a peace officer is a class 1 misdemeanor.
13-2508. Resisting arrest; classification
A. A person commits resisting arrest by intentionally preventing or attempting to prevent a person reasonably known to him to be a peace officer, acting under color of such peace officer's official authority, from effecting an arrest by:
1. Using or threatening to use physical force against the peace officer or another; or
2. Using any other means creating a substantial risk of causing physical injury to the peace officer or another.
B. Resisting arrest is a class 6 felony.
13-2509. Resisting an order directing, regulating or controlling motor vehicle; classification
A. A person commits resisting an order directing, regulating or controlling a motor vehicle by knowingly failing to obey an order of a person reasonably known to him to be a peace officer, acting under color of such officer's official authority, directing, regulating or controlling his vehicle.
B. Resisting an order directing, regulating or controlling a motor vehicle is a class 2 misdemeanor.
13-2510. Hindering prosecution; definition
For purposes of sections 13-2511 and 13-2512 a person renders assistance to another person by knowingly:
1. Harboring or concealing the other person; or
2. Warning the other person of impending discovery, apprehension, prosecution or conviction. This does not apply to a warning given in connection with an effort to bring another into compliance with the law; or
3. Providing the other person with money, transportation, a weapon, a disguise or other similar means of avoiding discovery, apprehension, prosecution or conviction; or
4. Preventing or obstructing by means of force, deception or intimidation anyone from performing an act that might aid in the discovery, apprehension, prosecution or conviction of the other person; or
5. Suppressing by an act of concealment, alteration or destruction any physical evidence that might aid in the discovery, apprehension, prosecution or conviction of the other person; or
6. Concealing the identity of the other person.
13-2901. Definitions
In this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
1. ….
2. "Public" means affecting or likely to affect a substantial group of persons.
13-2902. Unlawful assembly; classification
A. A person commits unlawful assembly by:
1. Assembling with two or more other persons with the intent to engage in conduct constituting a riot as defined in section 13-2903; or
2. Being present at an assembly of two or more other persons who are engaged in or who have the readily apparent intent to engage in conduct constituting a riot as defined in section 13-2903 and knowingly remaining there and refusing to obey an official order to disperse.
B. Unlawful assembly is a class 1 misdemeanor.
13-2903. Riot; classification
A. A person commits riot if, with two or more other persons acting together, such person recklessly uses force or violence or threatens to use force or violence, if such threat is accompanied by immediate power of execution, which disturbs the public peace.
B. Riot is a class 5 felony.
13-2904. Disorderly conduct; classification
A. A person commits disorderly conduct if, with intent to disturb the peace or quiet of a neighborhood, family or person, or with knowledge of doing so, such person:
1. Engages in fighting, violent or seriously disruptive behavior; or
2. Makes unreasonable noise; or
3. Uses abusive or offensive language or gestures to any person present in a manner likely to provoke immediate physical retaliation by such person; or
4. Makes any protracted commotion, utterance or display with the intent to prevent the transaction of the business of a lawful meeting, gathering or procession; or
5. Refuses to obey a lawful order to disperse issued to maintain public safety in dangerous proximity to a fire, a hazard or any other emergency; or
6. Recklessly handles, displays or discharges a deadly weapon or dangerous instrument.
B. Disorderly conduct under subsection A, paragraph 6 is a class 6 felony. Disorderly conduct under subsection A, paragraph 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 is a class 1 misdemeanor.
13-2905. Loitering; classification
A. A person commits loitering if such person intentionally:
1. Is present in a public place and in an offensive manner or in a manner likely to disturb the public peace solicits another person to engage in any sexual offense; or
2. Is present in a transportation facility and after a reasonable request to cease or unless specifically authorized to do so solicits or engages in any business, trade or commercial transactions involving the sale of merchandise or services; or
3. Is present in a public place to beg, unless specifically authorized by law; or
4. Is present in a public place, unless specifically authorized by law, to gamble with any cards, dice or other similar gambling devices; or
5. Is present in or about a school, college or university building or grounds after a reasonable request to leave and either does not have any reason or relationship involving custody of or responsibility for a pupil or student or any other specific legitimate reason for being there or does not have written permission to be there from anyone authorized to grant permission.
B. Loitering under subsection A, paragraph 5 is a class 1 misdemeanor. Loitering under subsection A, paragraphs 1, 2, 3 and 4 is a class 3 misdemeanor.
13-2906. Obstructing a highway or other public thoroughfare; classification
A. A person commits obstructing a highway or other public thoroughfare if, having no legal privilege to do so, such person, alone or with other persons, recklessly interferes with the passage of any highway or public thoroughfare by creating an unreasonable inconvenience or hazard.
B. Obstructing a highway or other public thoroughfare is a class 3 misdemeanor.
13-2907.01. False reporting to law enforcement agencies; classification
A. It is unlawful for a person to knowingly make to a law enforcement agency of either this state or a political subdivision of this state a false, fraudulent or unfounded report or statement or to knowingly misrepresent a fact for the purpose of interfering with the orderly operation of a law enforcement agency or misleading a peace officer.
B. Violation of this section is a class 1 misdemeanor.
13-3801. Preventing offenses; aiding officer
A. Public offenses may be prevented by intervention of peace officers as follows:
1. By requiring security to keep the peace.
2. Forming a police detail in cities and towns and requiring their attendance in exposed places.
3. Suppressing riots.
B. When peace officers are authorized to act in preventing public offenses, other persons, who, by their command, act in their aid, are justified in so doing.
13-3802. Right to command aid for execution of process; punishment for resisting process
A. When a sheriff or other public officer authorized to execute process finds, or has reason to believe that resistance will be made to execution of the process, such officer may command as many inhabitants of the county as the officer deems proper to assist in overcoming such resistance.
B. The officer shall certify to the court from which the process issued the names of those persons resisting, and they may be proceeded against for contempt of court.
13-3804. Duty of officers to disperse unlawful assembly
A. Where any number of persons, whether armed or not, are unlawfully or riotously assembled, the sheriff and his deputies, officials governing the city or town or justice of the peace and constables, or any of them, shall go among the persons assembled, or as near to them as possible, and command them, in the name of the state, immediately to disperse.
B. If the people assembled do not immediately disperse, the magistrate and officers shall arrest them, and for that purpose may command the aid of all persons present or within the county.
City of Phoenix Police Codes
PHOENIX POLICE CODES
1 Arrest -- No case report
2 D.R. Form
3 Unable to locate
4 Civil matter
5 Detail completed
6 Case / Crime report made
8 Accident report made
9 Traffic citation made
10 Turned over to another agency
11 Juvenile referral
12 Tow truck request made
13 Property invoice made
COMPUTER CODES
1 Normal traffic
2 Urgent (non-emergency)
3 Emergency traffic
4 No further assistance needed
5 Stakeout
20 Welfare check (officer)
101 Woman in car (give mileage)
101M Man in car (give mileage)
102 Woman out of car
102M Man out of car (give mileage)
104 Out for repairs
105 Out for supplies
209 Kidnapping
209C Custodial interference
210 Bomb threat
210B Stolen explosives
210C Explosives stored/possession
210R Found/recovered explosives
211A Armed robbery alarm
212 Strong arm robbery
239 Fight/mutual combat
239A Gathering
240 Assault
240C Child abuse
240P Assault on an officer
241 Obstructing
245 Assault on an officer
250 Pickup on warrant/petition
251 Court detail/prisoner transport
252 Immigration violation
261 Rape
265 Prostitution
267 Narcotics/other drugs
267L Criminal loitering
267M Possession of marijuana
268 Illegal possession/consuming alcohol
300 Gambling
311 Indecent exposure
390B Intoxicated person
390D Man down
392 Escape from custody
393 Erroneous release from custody
394 Unauthorized absence from custody
410 Civil matter
411 Citizen assist
412 Motorist assist
413 Impersonating an officer
415 Landlord trouble
415A Neighbor trouble
415B Criminal damage
652 Sex crime
666 Suicide
667 Missing person
667A Runaway juvenile
667D Missing person (drowning?)
667J Missing child
667S Search & rescue operation
668 Emergency message
669 Information received
669F False information to an officer
670 Welfare check (citizen)
671 Vacation/patrol watch
692 D.W.I.
693 Reckless driving
712 Trespassing
714 Illegal dumping
715 Illegal burning
777 Explosion
778 Shooting too close
801 Child neglect
802 Child molest
821 C.D.M.
900 Drowning
901 Injured person
901B Sick person
901C Cutting
901H Dead body
901S Shooting
902 Follow-up
902H Hospital follow-up
904 Fire
904A Arson
905 Backup
906 Follow in and assist
909 Special detail
910 Traffic violation
910B Water/boating violation
910G Game and fish violation
913 Carrying a concealed weapon
917A Abandoned vehicle
918 Mentally ill person
921 Prowler
921P Peeping tom
925 Ambulance request
925A Air ambulance request
926 Tow truck request
927 Unknown trouble
928 Found property
928C Found contraband (jail)
928I Property impound for safety
928J Found property (jail)
929 Lost property
930 Animal problems (bites, etc.)
931 Dead animal
960 Aircraft crash
961 Vehicle accident - no injury
962 Vehicle accident - injury
963 Vehicle accident - fatal
963A Alcohol involved - any amount
963B Boating accident
963H Hit & run
963P Private property accident
963I Alcohol & hit & run
998 Deputy involved in shooting
999 Deputy needs emergency assistance
MARICOPA COUNTY SHERIFFe S DEPT. CODES
10-1 Signal weak
10-2 Signal good
10-3 Stop transmitting
10-4 Affirmative (OK)
10-5 Relay (to)
10-6 Busy
10-7 Off duty/out of service
10-8 In service/ready for traffic
10-9 Say again
10-10 Negative
10-11 ------ on duty
10-12 Stand by
10-13 Existing weather conditions
10-14 Message information
10-15 Message delivered
10-16 Reply to message
10-17 En route
10-18 Urgent/complete detail ASAP
10-19 (In) Contact
10-20 Location
10-21 Call by telephone
10-22 Disregard/take no further action
10-23 Arrived at scene
10-24 Assignment complete
10-25 Report to --- (meet --- )
10-26 Estimated time of arrival
10-27 Drivers license information
10-28 Vehicle registration check
10-29 Record/warrant info. check
10-30 Danger/caution
10-31 Pick up papers
10-32 Units needed (specify)
10-33 Help me quickly
10-34 Correct time
10-35 Are you clear for confidential
10-40 Out of service/subj. to call
10-41 Convoy/escort
10-42 Prisoner in custody/booking
10-43 No traffic for your unit
10-44 Does not conform to rules
10-45 Emergency traffic
10-46 Checking for traffic
10-47 Prepare to copy
10-48 Deputy at home
10-50 Switching to --- frequency
10-51 Felony warrant outstanding
10-52 Misdemeanor warrant outstanding
10-53 Attempt to locate
10-54 Have car stopped/may be dangerous
10-56 Special information desired on your subject
10-57 You have possible dangerous subject/backup en route
10-58 Riot or possible riot
10-59 Hostage situation exists
10-66 Clear for cancellation
10-67 Clear for broadcast
10-68 Court attendance
10-69 Court detail
10-70 P.R. contact (lunch/dinner)
10-71 Out at sheriff's gun range
10-73 Equipment transfer
10-74 Minor equipment repair
10-75 Morgue detail
10-76 Notify vehicle owner of recovery
10-77 Notify parents of juvenile detention
10-78 Detention detail
10-81 Clinic detail
10-84 Stop sign down
10-85 Wires down (phone/power)
10-86 Irrigation water on street
10-87 Broken water main
10-88 Damaged sidewalk
10-89 Holes in street
10-90 Traffic signals broken
10-92 No assistance needed
10-94 Out for meal
10-95 Out for restroom
10-98 Out at headquarters
10-99 MSCO vehicle stolen
Dispositions:
2* Police service report written
3 Unable to locate/gone
4 Civil matter
5 Detail completed
6* Offense report written
7 Interview/interrogation
8* Vehicle accident report
9 Assist other agency
10 Turned over to ----
11* Property invoice written
12* Tow truck request written
* Indicates that a written report is required. (No written report is required for other dispositions.)
Note: Codes are subject to change without notice. Police department regulations restrict the availability of codes to the public for security reasons.
RESCUE # refers to the small fire engine or paramedic that will be coming from the specified station. There are other various types of vehicles and units denoted by codes such as CAR, BATTALION, etc. CHANNEL # is a police radio channel. ENGINE # refers to the large fire engine unit. AGENT # refers to a particular officer. After every code, the address of the incident is usually given.
Incident Report Sheet
• Note taker: • Date:
• Location: • Time:
• Type of incident (traffic stop, loitering, etc.):
• Officer Information
Name: Badge #: Race: F M
Name: Badge #: Race: F M
Name: Badge #: Race: F M
Name: Badge #: Race: F M
Continue on other side, if necessary.
• Squad car numbers and license numbers
Squad car number: License plate:
Squad car number: License plate:
Squad car number: License plate:
Continue on other side, if necessary.
• Any other relevant police information (dogs, presence of SWAT or GETM, etc.):
• Number of people stopped by police:
• Race of people stopped:
• Gender of people stopped:
• Age (estimated) of people stopped:
• Description of incident (use other side, too):
Patrol Checklist
Date:
Materials
Note taker’s notebook: notepad, pens, letter from the Police Chief, statutes and codes
Information: Know Your Rights cards (English & Spanish), Copwatch info pamphlets
Video camera, blank videotape, charged battery
Tape recorders, blank tapes, charged battery
Still camera, film, flash, charged battery
Scanner, charged battery, police codes
Penlights, map
T-shirts
Automobile
Necessary documentation: driver’s license, valid registration, valid insurance
Car check: Lights, seatbelts, general condition of the car
Support
Lawyer’s phone number memorized (Jay Ciulla, 495-0053)
Home contact’s phone number memorized: ____________________________
Home contact person has a press list
Personnel
No one here is currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
No one here has any illegal substances on their person.
No one here is carrying a weapon without the explicit knowledge and consent of the entire patrol.
Everyone here is mentally and physically prepared for the patrol and no one possesses an attitude or frame of mind that could hurt the patrol.
The roles are assigned and everyone agrees on the role assignment.
The hat has been passed. Amount collected: $
Roles
Patrolling Intervening
Driver: Intervener:
Navigator: Camera:
Scanner: Notetaker:
Notetaker: Still camera:
Notetaker 2: Propaganda:
2nd camera:
====================================================================
Houston Copwatch
Training Manual
PART ONE: COPWATCH BASICS AND PRINCIPLES
Don’t Join Copwatch 2
Who We Are 3
Copwatch Mission 3
Copwatch Principles 3
Copwatch Demands 3
Common Copwatch Issues 4
Copwatch Member Guidelines and Roles 5
Nonviolence Principles and Guidelines 7
Copwatch Teamwork and Activities 8
PART TWO: COPWATCH PATROLS AND EQUIPMENT
Preparing for a Copwatch Patrol 9
Copwatch Equipment and Use 10
Roles in Copwatch 12
Responding to Threats to Arrest You 13
How to Deal With the Media 14
APPENDIX: COPWATCH FORMS AND PATROL INFO
Spanish for Copwatch 16
Police Radio Frequencies 19
Police Radio Codes 20
Houston Police Premise Codes 20
How to File a Police Complaint 22
Houston Copwatch Incident Report 23
Houston Copwatch Patrol Report 24
Copwatch Patrol Checklist 26
Copwatch Member Data Sheet 27
Houston Copwatch
Post Office Box 667040, Houston, Texas 77266-7040
713-559-1359 / info@houstoncopwatch.org
www.houstoncopwatch.org
Don’t Join Copwatch
Please read this before you consider becoming a part of Copwatch. Think about this carefully before you decide.
Don’t join Copwatch if…
• You’re a cop
No employees of any law enforcement agency may be a part of Copwatch. This includes private law enforcement (security guards). Copwatch is an all-civilian group.
• You’re a hothead
Copwatch is not a game. We are going against a well-trained, heavily-armed organization that is prone to violence and racism, and all we have to defend ourselves is a camera, a notepad and the law. If you decide you want to take on the police by cursing them out, insulting them or getting in their faces, you put all other Copwatch members as well as the people being held by the police in danger, which means you put the entire Copwatch program in danger. If you can’t keep your cool and be disciplined, even in the face of a racist, aggressive cop, then Copwatch isn’t for you.
• You want revenge on a cop or to fight with them
Copwatch does not initiate violent confrontations with the police. Observing and recording their actions is all that is necessary to fight police brutality and racism on the streets. In cases in which the police attack arrestees or members of Copwatch, we support an individual’s right of self-defense, but our job is not to start or incite fights.
• You want to “dialogue” with the police
Copwatch’s goal is not to work with the police. Our task is to monitor them for racism and abuse. The only way to do that is to remain completely independent from them. If you want to work with the police, Copwatch is not an organization that engages in such community involvement.
• You are intolerant
Copwatch does not discriminate against any person on the basis of her or his race, culture, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability. Copwatch is opposed to all forms of oppression, even though we are organized to fight one specific form of oppression, police abuse.
• You have a personal agenda
We welcome people to join Copwatch regardless of their political, religious, cultural or personal affiliation. However, Copwatch is not an organization for anyone's use to recruit people, sell publications, etc.; to push one's own political, religious, cultural, personal or any other agenda or line; or to serve as a platform for such. Copwatch exists to fight police brutality and racism by monitoring the police and Copwatch groups have been effective because they have a very clear mission. Occasionally, Copwatch groups do endorse events, but the organization has traditionally been independent. We do not endorse candidates for public office.
• You’re not willing to make a serious commitment to Copwatch
This is potentially dangerous activism. If you slough off on your responsibilities, other people can get hurt. We need to be disciplined, well-trained, know the laws, and know our rights. This takes practice and a bit of study in addition to going out on regular patrols. You need to be able to commit to doing these things. That said, if you have legal, moral, or personal reasons to avoid any confrontation with the police and/or the possibility of arrest, there is still a place for you in Copwatch. We’re going to need help with legal defense, fundraising, helping file complaints, training new members, public relations, etc. If you are serious about joining Copwatch but can’t go out on patrols, we can find a place for you.
• You can’t work in a democratic organization
Free discussion and criticism is vital for any grassroots political group. It’s also our best defense against police infiltration. All members of Copwatch have an equal voice in making all major decisions for the organization. If you have a hard time listening to the suggestions and criticisms of others or working constructively in groups, if you tend to speak out of turn or interrupt others, if you tend to dominate meetings, or if you get impatient with meetings, then Copwatch may not be for you.
Who We Are
Copwatch is a group of ordinary people who observe and record police activity on the streets. We do this because we believe that police brutality is widespread in our communities and that the only way to stop it is to challenge it directly.
We believe that police harassment and brutality is especially widespread in communities of color and that this is due to the long history of white supremacy in this country. For us, the struggle against police brutality is also a struggle against racism.
Copwatch Mission
Copwatch is a non-violent, non-confrontational citizen advocacy organization. We strive to help end police misconduct, brutality, and abuse of power through direct observation of the police in the streets, and advocating for their victims after the event.
We take it upon ourselves to police the police. While we know it is impossible to be at the scene of every situation with the police, we intend to be in the streets at times when police misconduct is most probable. We will document on paper and on film as much of the police activity as we can.
We will build a reputation as advocates for the victims of police misconduct within the community.
We will be advocates for people who feel the police have mistreated them. We will make all our documents available to such people, and their lawyers on request. We will archive all documentation so that if a person first chooses not to pursue a claim against the police, and later decides to, the documentation will be available. We will erase any unusable video.
We will attempt to de-escalate situations whenever possible and we will encourage people to solve problems nonviolently without the involvement of police. We want to help expand community support for victims of police crime, to educate community members about their rights, encourage others to exercise their right to observe the police, and mobilize the community to protest injustices.
Copwatch Principles
1. The struggle against police brutality is a struggle against racism. We believe that police brutality is widespread in our communities and that much of it is directly related to the long history of white supremacy in this country. Therefore, we consider the struggle against police brutality to also be astruggle against racism.
2. The objective of Copwatch is to observe and record the police when they interrogate people on the streets, and to offer assistance to victims of police abuse when we can.
3. Copwatch does not provoke confrontations with the police. We are a nonviolent organization. We do support the principle of self-defense against police attacks.
4. Copwatch is opposed to all forms of oppression, even though we are organized to fight one specific form of oppression, police abuse.
5. Copwatch is an independent organization. We do not work with any law enforcement agencies, other government agencies or political parties.
6. Copwatch is a democratic organization. All members have an equal say in all matters, discussions and decisions relating to Copwatch. Copwatch has no permanent officers.
Copwatch Demands
1. An immediate end to all police brutality. We want to help end it by observing and recording police activity on the streets.
2. To empower victims of police misconduct to pursue their grievances, with the goal of resolving individual cases and preventing future occurrences.
3. To educate the general public and, in particular, "target groups" of police abuse on their rights and responsibilities.
4. To promote and monitor an effective system for civilian oversight of police. We also support the creation of strong civilian oversight boards run by citizens (not cops) and vested with full investigative and punitive powers.
5. An end to shoot-to-kill policies among police departments, in which the police are ordered to shoot to kill a person rather than wound or disable them.
6. An end to high-speed "chases" by police -- pursuit that has resulted in many fatalities at the hands of police.
Common Copwatch Issues
Police Brutality
The Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials (adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1979) and the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials (adopted by consensus by the Eighth UN Congress on the Prevention of Crime and Treatment of Offenders on 7 September 1990) provide, among other things, that force should be used only as a last resort when non-violent measures have failed or would be clearly inappropriate, and that in all cases the amount of force must be proportionate to the threat encountered and designed to minimize damage and injury. Although US laws and policies are in many respects consistent with the above standards, they are frequently violated in practice, as illustrated by the numerous police killings in Houston and Harris County.
Police Misconduct and Abuse of Power
It is a crime for one or more persons acting under color of law willfully to deprive or conspire to deprive another person of any right protected by the Constitution or laws of the United States. "Color of law" simply means that the person doing the act is using power given to him or her by a governmental agency (local, state or federal). Criminal acts under color of law include acts not only done by local, state, or federal officials within the bounds or limits of their lawful authority, but also acts done beyond the bounds of their lawful authority. Off-duty conduct may also be covered under color of law, if the perpetrator asserted their official status in some manner. The average number of all federal civil rights cases initiated by the FBI from 1997-2000 was 3513. Of those cases initiated, about 73% were allegations of color of law violations. Within these, about 82% were allegations of abuse of force with violence (59% of the total number of civil rights cases initiated).
Racial Profiling
AKA: Driving While Black/Brown. Specific acts constituting racial profiling, according to the ACLU, include:
• Stopping a driver or pedestrian when looking for a suspect if the only commonality between the suspect and the civilian is their race/ethnicity. Ethnicity may not be used in whole or in part as a reason for a stop, search, or arrest unless it is a specific factor that is part of the actual description of a specific suspect for whom police officers are searching.
• Picking out people from among similarly situated individuals based in whole or in part on their race/ethnicity. For example, a driver doing 70 in a stream of traffic where most other drivers are also doing 70, should not be picked out for a speeding ticket based on his or her race/ethnicity, or even race/ethnicity in combination with make/model/age of vehicle or similar generic factors.
• Stopping a driver where there is no traffic violation in order to get a look inside the car partially or wholly because of the driver’s race/ethnicity.
During the 2001 state legislative session, Texas passed a law banning racial profiling in law enforcement (SB1074). It requires each police and sheriff’s department in the state (over 1,000) to develop a written racial profiling policy that includes officer training, data collection, a complaint process, disciplinary measures and more. Harris County received a grade of C from the Texas ACLU’s statewide review of racial profiling policies (“Prohibiting Racial Profiling: An Analysis of Local Implementation,” January 2002). Sixty percent of counties in Texas scored higher than Harris.
Civilian Oversight of Police
A Civilian Oversight Board would investigate all complaints of residents of the city, seek accountability, provide an equitable check and balance on police misconduct and the power of the HPD, as well as protect and defend the civil rights of each individual. Houston currently has a Citizens Review Committee, with offices in HPD headquarters, but it has been criticized for being ineffective. The CRC, comprised of citizens selected by the Mayor, has yet to censure a police officer.
A local organization, Corpus Justice, is calling on the community and organizations to support a Civilian Oversight Board in relation to the Houston Police Department, and a State Civilian Oversight Commission to oversee the transition from government to citizen review of complaints filed against government agencies and their representatives.
Treatment of Legal and Illegal Immigrants (and Legal Citizens) by the INS
This year, Attorney General John Ashcroft asked local police throughout the country to help track down illegal aliens. While HPD has indicated unwillingness to do this work, we must be sensitive to abuses against immigrants.
Gang Policing
Texas broadly defines gangs and what data may be collected about “gang members.” HPD has a Gang Task Force primarily responsible for gang policing. It depends on beat cops for information collecting, including getting to know “gang members” and reporting data to the Task Force for enforcement.
Copwatch Member Guidelines and Roles
Copwatch cannot guarantee the safety of participants and members
Be aware that this type of community activism involves risks. We try to protect each other by setting up a support and advocacy structure that can react quickly if problems should arise or if arrests occur. Anyone wanting to be a member of Copwatch is required to go to several training sessions before they can be members. We ask that participants and members act according to tenets of training and, in all situations, avoid actions that endanger the safety of others. Generally actions that might endanger the safety of others include: physical violence or threat of violence directed against others, including the police, witnesses, members, etc.; giving false information to law enforcement and legal authorities; actions that cause panic such as running, throwing items, etc.; bringing weapons or anything that can be construed as a weapon; and/or bringing drugs on patrols.
Copwatching as oversight
It is not our role or responsibility to judge people’s guilt or innocence, and we should be clear with people that we are not on the streets to “defend criminals,” but to ensure that the police respect the democratic rights of all people.
Membership
a. We do not discriminate against any person on the basis of her or his race, culture, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or disability.
b. Members of any political party are welcome to work in Copwatch as individuals, but not as party representatives.
c. No employee of law enforcement agencies—public or private—may participate in Copwatch.
d. Those interested in Copwatch are expected to attend a training session on Copwatch principles and a second training session on state laws before being considered a member, and a third session, which consists of a ride along as an observer during a patrol.
Member Responsibilities
All members of Copwatch are expected to:
a. Be in general agreement with Copwatch principles, demands and program.
b. Complete the Copwatch training sessions.
c. Follow Copwatch rules and procedures.
d. Be knowledgeable of all information necessary to conduct a Copwatch patrol, including the relevant laws, the specific tasks of each Copwatch position, etc.
e. Treat everyone you come in contact with in a friendly and polite manner.
f. Respect the viewpoints and privacy of other members of the group.
g. Contribute constructively to the group.
h. Be respectful of all members.
i. Be truthful in providing factual information to law enforcement and legal authorities.
j. Not represent personal viewpoints as viewpoints of Copwatch.
k. Not engage in personal, political or outside activities while participating in Copwatch activities and/or patrols.
l. Wear Copwatch identifying clothing while on patrol.
e. Refrain from wearing Copwatch patrol apparel at any event at which one is participating as a protestor.
f. Commit to at least one patrol per month or some other aspect of Copwatch work, as well as at least one planning meeting every other month.
g. If team members have the time/energy after patrols, participate in debriefing sessions.
h. At appropriate times, engage in positive criticism/self-criticism.
i. Maintain regular contact with her or his team coordinator. If a member does not stay in contact with her or his coordinator or go on a patrol in three months, the member must retrain.
j. Fulfill tasks in a timely manner. If one volunteers for a position, to fulfill responsibilities in a timely manner.
Weapons and illegal substances
a. No member may possess or ingest any type of drugs/alcohol, or be under the influence of drugs/alcohol, while participating in Copwatch patrols, nor should they carry such substances on person or in vehicles. In social/informal events, use common sense.
b. No member may possess any type of weapon while participating in Copwatch patrols. This applies to those with concealed-weapons licenses.
Positions
Copwatch has no permanent officers but it does have several positions. These positions are to be rotated when the organization sees fit. Positions may be filled through volunteering, lot or election. Positions include:
1. Meeting secretary: This person is responsible for taking and posting minutes of the meeting, informing members of upcoming meetings (via phone and email), and collecting agenda items for upcoming meetings. The position rotates every three months, with the previous secretary choosing the next secretary.
2. Treasurer: This person is responsible for Copwatch’s finances.
3. Equipment manager: This person is responsible for making sure Copwatch equipment is always ready to go for each patrol. Responsibilities include maintaining all equipment (recharging batteries, buying supplies, etc.), backing up cassettes on to videotapes, keeping literature in stock, distributing shirts to new members, etc.
4. Training coordinator: This person is responsible for seeing that all Copwatch members are properly trained. Responsibilities include ensuring that regular trainings are scheduled throughout the year, training trainers, scheduling annual retraining sessions, updating the Copwatch contact sheet and making sure new members are added to the email list-serve, and for assigning new members to teams after their second training (this includes scheduling a third and final training with the team coordinator).
5. Team coordinator: Each team will have at least one coordinator. This person is responsible for arranging her or his team’s patrols. Responsibilities include organizing at least one patrol a month, ensuring the active status of each team member, arranging third trainings for new members, and working with the training coordinator to ensure inactive members get retrained before being activated. Team coordinators may require a team member to retrain if the member has not been in contact with the coordinator for three months or more.
Committees
Committees are an integral part of Copwatch. These collectives of members focus on different aspects of Copwatch work, such as community outreach, fundraising, media, etc. Copwatch committees work autonomously of Copwatch, but are accountable to the larger organization.
Resolving Internal Conflicts
When consensus has been reached that a member has violated Copwatch principles or member guidelines (with exceptions noted below), the following actions may be taken.
1. Counseling. The individual will be publicly (on the Copwatch email list or in a public meeting) asked to acknowledge the violation in question. If the individual acknowledges the violation within a week and recommits to Copwatch, counseling will be considered concluded. If the individual does not acknowledge the violation within a week, he/she will be held in suspension from the Copwatch email list and work groups until such time as he/she acknowledges the violation and recommits to Copwatch.
2. Probation. If within six months, consensus is reached that a second violation has occurred, the individual will be publicly (on the Copwatch email list or in a public meeting) asked to acknowledge the violation in question. If the individual acknowledges the violation within a week and recommits to Copwatch, he/she will be held in suspension from the Copwatch email list and work groups for three months and go for re-training. If the individual does not acknowledge the violation within a week, he/she will be held in suspension from the Copwatch email list and work groups until such time as he/she acknowledges the violation and recommits to Copwatch. At that time, the probation period will begin.
3. Expulsion. If within six months of the second violation, consensus is reached that a third violation has occurred, the individual will be considered permanently expelled from Copwatch.
Violations that endanger the safety of others (including but not limited to: physical violence or threat of violence directed against others, including the police, witnesses, members, etc.; actions that cause panic such as running, throwing items, etc.; giving false information to law enforcement and legal authorities; bringing weapons or anything that can be construed as a weapon; and/or bringing drugs on patrols) are grounds for expulsion, without probation or suspension, from Copwatch.
Amending Copwatch guidelines, principles and program
Copwatch guidelines, principles and program can be amended at Copwatch meetings (with quorum) by consensus of all those who have satisfactorily met member responsibilities and are therefore considered members of Copwatch.
Nonviolence Principles and Guidelines
Copwatch discourages police brutality and harassment by making cops aware that they are being watched, and that law enforcement officers will be held accountable for their actions. We record incidents of harassment and abuse, follow through on complaints, educate those who don’t know their rights or who don't believe that police harassment exists, and educate the community about their rights.
The last thing we want is for a cop to arrest someone because the cop is angry with us. We want cops to treat people with respect and to observe their rights. Cops often forget that arrestees are people and that they have rights. We want cops to treat ALL people courteously.
In order to discourage cops from hassling our brothers and sisters, we may have to be diplomatic. We must be firm in demanding that rights be respected; yet we must avoid endangering someone who is already in some trouble. We must try to learn exactly what our rights are. Sometimes asking cops to cite sections of the Penal Code, which pertain to the situation, will remind them that they are acting outside of the law. Remember that the goal is to prevent unnecessary arrests.
It is very important to remain as calm as possible while observing the police! Generally your presence will increase the level of anger and tension. This can be enough to make cops arrest someone. We must be careful not to escalate the situation. The danger is that while on the street the cops can be observed, but behind closed doors we have no way of monitoring the cops. Take strength in the fact that you are within you rights to observe the police. Remember that your body language can make cops nervous. Try to keep hands visible at all times. Don't make sudden moves.
On the streets we are serving the people. Our effectiveness will be greatly enhanced if the community trusts us. When the streets are quiet and there is no police activity, a Copwatch member can spend time distributing Know Your Rights cards, pamphlets or just getting to know people. Explain to the people that you are with Copwatch and tell them about the program. Get into conversations. If people know that you are trying to help and that you care, that in itself will be empowering.
Depending on how familiar and/comfortable you are, you can assist people with problems that arise.
Stay security conscious. Don’t promise help you can’t give or follow up on. Be very careful of what personal information, organizational information, “gossip,” information about patrol team members, etc. you share with people in the community. Don’t talk trash about the cops with people or engage in similarly negative interactions. Do not share your personal address, phone number or email with strangers. If people want a means to contact you, give them the Copwatch address, voicemail and email (on all literature).
We want our community to solve problems without police intervention when possible. If we can bring calm to a situation instead of the police, we are doing very well. This portion is intentionally vague because it requires your judgment. Do not stick you nose where it does not belong. Do not endanger yourself. Be wise.
Nonviolence Guidelines
• Nonviolence requires humility, discipline and clarity. The believer in nonviolence has a deep faith in the future and forces on the side of justice. While acting as a member of Copwatch, you may have to face insults and intimidation from police without retaliation; to not only refuse to get into fights, but also to refuse hating a cop, during our most intense moments; to understand we fight injustice rather than against persons doing injustice.
• Treat everyone you come in contact with in a respectful, friendly and polite manner.
• Speak in a clear and audible voice. It is not necessary to raise you voice, yell or scream in any contact situation.
• Avoid the use of any terms that may be taken as derogatory or insulting.
• Maintain a legal and safe distance from any police incident or contact. This does not mean you cannot engage the police in conversation and walk or stand next to them when they are on a routine patrol.
• Avoid quick or sudden changes in your position when you are observing a police/citizen contact. Never make sudden moves toward the police or break into a run for any reason
• Do not use flash cameras or video lighting when officers are engaging in a routine stop of someone. If a stop escalates into unnecessary use of force, you have the right to record the scene using flash bulbs or video light.
• If you are a witness to someone being beaten or treated roughly, calmly ask the officer(s) involved to stop or ask, "Why are you doing this?" Warn them that you will place yourself between them and the victim if this is a form of nonviolence that you want to employ.
• Never speak for anyone else when you are talking to authorities. Make it clear that you are the one involved in any encounter with the police and that you are not working for the homeless, street people, people of color, gays/lesbians. Never use any other organization’s name except Copwatch.
• If you are tired and irritable before or during your shift, try to find someone to replace you. Copwatch is not the place to be if you are not in the mood to deal with intense or frustrating situations.
• Try to be helpful to the citizen being stopped/arrested without making his/her situation worse. Our goal is to lessen the incidents of harassment and violence, not to escalate them.
Copwatch Teamwork and Activities
Empowering all members
As a member of Copwatch, you are entitled to be a part of group decisions and to take a role in our work. We want all members to be able to speak in public, host forums, train, etc. Team coordinators should share responsibilities with members of the team. Team members should volunteer for different tasks. We always have something to do.
Trust
Teamwork is an essential part of Copwatch. We engage in all activities -- from patrols to flyering -- in groups. No patrol should happen with less than four people. It is important that you have a trusting, professional relationship with your team and all members of Copwatch. It is important that teams not be wholly composed of friends, partners, etc. outside Copwatch; familiarity can cause problems on occasion. You’re welcome to hold non-patrol activities with your team, and get to know all Copwatch members.
Empathy
During the course of Copwatch work, you will encounter people who agree with what we do and those who do not agree at all. In all cases, it is important we encourage each other to be empathetic to all views. Don’t spend time debating with people while doing Copwatch work and encourage others to stay focused on what we need to do.
Copwatch Activities
1. Community outreach: These include events where we do outreach about Copwatch and police issues. Events in this area include films, benefit shows, tabling, etc.
2. Community education: Events with a specifically educational purpose, such as Know Your Rights forums, police brutality speakouts, etc.
3. Patrols: Teams (4-8 members) are generally encouraged to do one 3-4 hour patrol per month. Copwatch typically does three types of patrols:
a. Driving: We drive around in a car with 3-5 people using the scanner and observance of our surroundings to determine stops.
b. Walking: Such patrols give us a lot of public interaction. In addition to PR, it’s a good place to watch because there is everybody from the homeless to youth cruising around. They all tend to get harassed for loitering or other violations.
c. Protests: From time to time, we go out on protests to document occurrences between protesters and police. These patrols are quite different from regular patrols in the way they are conducted. It is important that the people who go out on these patrols are familiar with the equipment, are able to act as interveners, can handle pressure and not let themselves get distracted. When patrolling a march, you must stay with your group and not join in the protest or turn focus on friends, etc.
Expenses you are likely to run into as a member of Copwatch
• A patrol t-shirt will cost a few dollars (less than $10, to defray costs)
• You will occasionally be asked for a donation for meeting space or incidentals.
• Teams are encouraged, but not required, to rent a car for a night’s patrol (cost usually runs $8-12 per team member on a patrol group of four). Several Copwatches have reported having members’ cars “profiled” after use in patrols, with those members getting pulled over excessively, having windows smashed, etc. Rentals should have insurance. If a member uses her/his own car for a patrol or Copwatch event, they are welcome to do so provided it meets patrol checklist requirements, but s/he does so at one’s own risk.
• Gas money for patrol cars should be considered. A few dollars should be brought along.
• You should have a close friend of family member aware of your involvement in Copwatch. In the event of an arrest, assistance in bonding might be called on, though legal assistance should avert this.
• Friendly members may offer to purchase miscellaneous items for Copwatch, including tapes (audio or video), office supplies, copies, equipment, etc. If you have friends that can offer items at reduced rates, let the group know. Stolen merchandise should not be donated to Copwatch under any circumstances.
Preparing for a Copwatch Patrol
Prior to Patrol
1. Organize to meet your team at a mutually agreeable location and time.
2. If your team consenses to rent a car, please make sure to bring your share of the money to give to the team.
3. Make sure you are not carrying anything illegal.
4. Wear your Identifying shirts.
5. Be sure that your team brings the things you will need for your shift. What follows is a list of things you need to bring.
• Video Camera
• Scanner
• Audiocassette Recorder (with Voice Activation)
• Key Map
• Flashlights
• Know Your Rights Cards
• Literature
• Still Camera(s)
• Incident Report Forms
Meeting Up With Your Team
Shifts last for 3-4 hours depending on individual stamina. Please be on time, because it is courteous to your team. If you are tired and irritable before or during your shift, try to find someone to replace you. If you cannot make a shift please find a replacement for yourself.
Rules to live by
1. Always be clear in your verbal intent and be respectful. Avoid ambiguous language. Do not get into verbal wordplay, challenges or 'one-upping' an officer.
2. State in a clear, audible voice every move you make ("We are walking up to the incident, on the corner of Main and Franklin," "I am observing officer with badge number 000, who is the only officer present at this time and appears to have driven squad car number 666," "I am reaching into my back pocket to get my wallet right now").
3. Do not make any sudden, erratic movements.
4. NEVER touch a police officer or initiate any sort of physical contact.
Your Awareness on Patrol is Everything
How aware you are on patrol is essential to your safety and the safety of team members. Your Copwatch patrol may take you to unfamiliar areas of town, and you need to be security conscious and aware of your surroundings. Levels of alert:
• Condition White: totally unprepared, not aware of surroundings. If caught in Condition White, you will likely be overwhelmed before being able to respond.
• Condition Yellow: relaxed awareness, aware of surroundings, but not concentrating on any specific threat. Any Copwatch member should be in Condition Yellow on patrol.
• Condition Orange: attention is concentrated on a potential threat, based upon instincts and observation. Police encounters are a good example of Condition Orange.
• Condition Red: Aware of danger, prepare to respond immediately. Monitoring a violent incident involving police and being prepared to move fast if needed is one example.
The Law
The Law is a strange and complicated thing. There are a few points about the law that you must be aware of.
1. The purpose of written laws is to determine what actions should be taken after a crime has been committed. What a police officer does is not the same as what the courts will later determine that the officer should have done.
2. There is a great degree of ambiguity in many laws, which means that cops are constantly making interpretations of the law in their actions.
3. There are many sources of law. Copwatch focuses on state laws, although there are also city ordinances.
4. It is illegal to give false information to an officer. This includes a false name.
5. Different standards of proof are required for different actions. For someone to be simply questioned or frisked for weapons requires that the police officer only has to have a "reasonable suspicion" that someone is guilty of a crime. To arrest someone, however, the cop must have "probable cause" to believe someone is guilty of a crime. Only for conviction in court is the standard of "beyond a reasonable doubt" used.
Copwatch Equipment and Use
Video cameras are, if properly employed, one of the most effective tools for documenting what occurs and containing excesses by the police. Letting the police know that there’s a record being made and that they are accountable is one of the best ways for citizens to control and prevent harassing tactics.
The car
If you are renting a car, it is necessary to do a complete and thorough inspection of the vehicle. Take a flashlight. Factor in an extra 30 minutes to walk outside with a rental car sales rep and check the car out. Have the rep get in and test out items. Are the lights working properly? What about signal lights? Are all inspection and license plate stickers up to date? Open the door and use your flashlight to check underneath and in the cracks of seats (and the springy areas of seat bottoms) for items -- particularly traces of illegal drugs, alcohol, bottles, etc. Do the same with the trunk (but check where spare is stored, storage cubbies, etc.). If you see any item, ask the sales rep to remove it and request a cleaning or new vehicle. Do not touch bottles, contraband or anything you find. Being security conscious will protect you in the long run.
Audio equipment
Tape recorders are used to record audio from the scene, including team members’ reports on the scene and comments/recollections of police victims/survivors.
Tapes
All video and audio footage must be labeled with the following: Date, Time and Location. If there is a tray card for the tape, write any other pertinent information you can recall. Transfer all tapes to VHS -- this should be the job of the equipment manager. If there is something important, keep the original tape for backup. If not you can defray costs by using the small tapes at least three times before they lose their quality. (They get really expensive after a while) Also, the larger tapes can be used for trainings, media, etc.
General Principles/Tips in Camera Use and Patrols
• Keep the equipment strap around your neck when you are filming for safety's sake.
• Allow one minute to run at the beginning of a new tape before you start recording. Know that the tape at the very beginning and end of your cassette will have more glitches and sound and color irregularities. If you are near the end of your tape, and you like what you are recording - get a new tape.
• When you are done using the camera, take the battery out so that it doesn't run down.
• When you film, try not to record yourself getting into arguments with the police. It is very frustrating when we have good footage of an event but a hostile commentary from the videographer. Try to let the situation speak for itself.
• Don’t go trashing police on camera.
• Be sure to press the date and time stamp on the screen.
• Don't film people who obviously don't want to be filmed.
• Don't be distracted during your patrol; focus on the police.
• If you do film anything significant please transfer the footage to VHS tape and label it properly. If you can't do this then tell your team coordinator.
• Don't put the camera at undue risk of being confiscated. Back off if necessary.
What to Document
The following should be recorded on film and paper in the incident report along with any other media available.
• Record officer name, badge number, and car license number if it is near. (Don't leave the person being hassled.)
• Record the time, place and date of incident.
• Determine if person is being arrested and on what charge.
Videotaping Arrest or Abuse
It is also important to let the police know you are videotaping them while they are making an arrest. While there are some cops who join the force for altruistic reasons and are relatively decent people, there are some that seem to enjoy hurting people. Tactics observed in past demonstrations included police tossing a demonstrator between them to make it look as if the person was resisting arrest. Police also circle around people so that what they are doing to them can not be seen. This is precisely why it is important to videotape every arrest and every potential arrest that takes place. The police hate to be seen doing these things and video cameras are simply the best tool for exposing and controlling this behavior.
If a cop knows that they are being videotaped when an arrest is going down, the arrest is likely to be a lot gentler. This is especially true if the cop or cops believe that this tape is going to be broadcast somewhere. Most of the local cops have families who live in the area. They don't want their parents, children or spouses to see them behaving in a brutal manner. Asking the arresting officers questions such as their names, badge numbers, supervising officer, and the charge can let the police know they're being watched and get information at the same time. The more accountable the police officer feels that they are, the better that they're liable to behave during an arrest.
The cameraperson should not just film, but should also act as a narrator. This is important in situations where bad lighting cannot be avoided, or a view is blocked for some reason or another. You should be able to turn your back from the television when viewing a tape and listen to it and get a picture of exactly what is going on from the narration.
Police Tactics Against Monitoring
One of the most common techniques cops use when they’re arresting someone or using excessive force is to circle around their victim or victims so that they can’t be seen. There are several techniques for penetrating the cops when they go into a circle during an arrest. One is to simply get in as close as you can. Since cops have been known to attack cameras with their batons, this is where older or less expensive cameras are recommended.
The other strategy when the cops circle around someone they are arresting is to hold the videocamera above your head and point down. This is where the side screens on some of the newer cameras can be most effective. If your camera lacks one of these side screens the best technique has proven to be putting your lens as wide as it can go and simply pointing the lens at the action while holding the camera over your head.
What's Useful to Get on Videotape
In many situations, most attorneys find it useful to show the physical relationships between the actors. Many an arrest charge has been dismissed simply because it's been shown a person was not standing where the officer said they were. If you begin videotaping an incident, it's a good idea to leave the camera running until the incident is over. Many prosecutors try to use the gaps in a videotape to attack it. The most basic technique for good pictures is to try to brace yourself so that your camera doesn't shake. Since you are trying to cover a lot of the action, leaving your camera in wide angle is recommended.
Make sure that the only time you turn the camera off during an intervention is when there is incriminating evidence involving the suspect. Prosecutors in a case can request those tapes. Helping the state is not your aim.
Witness Safely and Effectively
Every action and shooting situation is different; be ready to move fast or to stay still, to let authorities know that they are being filmed or to stay hidden. Consider all your options. Take steps to ensure that you are able to stay on site and document what occurs.
• Get as close to the action or the subject as possible without getting caught or arrested or hurt. If you cannot get close, keep the subject/action framed as tightly and aesthetically as possible by filling the screen. Zooming in is often necessary, but increases the chances of shaking and an "artificial" look. The cameraperson should always be protected. This is not only the cameraperson's responsibility but everyone on patrol.
• If the police are wrongfully arresting someone - or whenever you need to identify the police on hand, read off their badge numbers into the camera. This is faster than trying to zoom in and out on people that are moving. A team member can help with this.
• Be mentally and physically prepared to remain nonviolent in threatening situations and stick to the camera. Stay calm and focused. Having an assistant can be very helpful. They can run out hot footage, watch your back while you stare into your viewfinder and look out for important shots that you might be missing.
• Don't try to fulfill any other roles when you have been assigned your role on patrol. People who are stopped, lawyers, activists, organizers and the media may need good video documentation of what occurs. Things may be getting crazy and violence may be happening, but the worse the situation gets, the more important it is for you to record the event on paper and tape. You must remain taping to get that footage out of there and to the news, your legal help, complaint centers, etc. Be quiet and be attentive to getting good footage. A runner might help you by running dead batteries to a nearby car with an AC Power Inverter plugged into its cigarette lighter, ready to charge people's batteries.
• Follow-up information. If people are being arrested, find out where they are being taken and who else is doing documentation work on site (witnesses). Are there ways to contact people later, to share footage, facts, etc.?
More Basic Tips
If you're working with an attorney, labeling a tape "attorney work product, privileged and confidential," makes it a little bit harder for the cops to use it without your permission.
Roles in Copwatch
Everyone should have a turn at the camera, notetaking, photography, intervention, propaganda/PR and scanning. For consistency, you may wish to pick roles for the start of the patrol and stick to them throughout the night. However, every team should be committed to sharing tasks.
Patrolling Phase
Driver: Drives safely and legally to and from the scene; helps Navigator assess drive-by’s. Needs to know the area, be good at taking directions, and have current insurance/license/registration. Car needs to have seat belts, be in generally good shape and be clear of drugs.
Navigator: Helps driver with directions; watches traffic; reads the map; assesses drive-by’s. Needs flashlight and city map.
Scanner Reader: Works the scanner, listening to calls. Shouts out info to the Notetaker and suggests possible calls to respond to. Needs a flashlight and the police codes sheet, and needs to know how to use the scanner well.
Notetaker: (1 or 2 persons) Takes notes of calls called out by Scanner Reader (address, type of call, police codes). Needs pen, notepad, flashlight, codes sheet. Everyone as a group will make the determination of which calls or drive-by’s to take.
Intervention Phase
For all roles in the Intervention Phase: Do not argue with the police or talk to them unless necessary. Give your name and birth date and refer all other questions to the Intervener. Do not provide information not legally required by law.
Intervener: Approaches first and addresses the scene with the following dialogue:
“We’re from Copwatch. We are not cops or part of any law enforcement agency. We are an all-volunteer group of people who observe the police in order to prevent police brutality and harassment. We’re going to observe and videotape the situation and make sure the police don’t hurt or harass you.”
The Intervener addresses the police only when needed, and shields the Camera person should an officer advance threateningly. Questions an officer’s actions in non-threatening language loud enough for the recording. Needs basic knowledge of constitutional rights, good judgment and the ability to speak clearly under pressure.
Camera person: Operates video camera, taping the entire intervention from a position behind the Intervener. Must know how to use the video camera and be aware of what is most important in recording an intervention, such as the interaction between officer and person being stopped or between officer and Copwatch member(s). Must remain aware of the need to protect the camera, and maneuver to use the Intervener as a shield from attempts to take or damage the camera. Should an officer advance threateningly and get past the Intervener, the Camera person should assume the role of Intervener in questioning an officer’s actions in a voice loud enough for the recording. The intervener carries that audio recorder.
Notetaker: Fills out the Incident Report Sheet as completely as possible, including location, date and time, officernames and badge numbers, vehicle license plate numbers and other details relevant to the intervention. Takes detailed notes of the intervention as it’s happening. Shields the camera person when necessary. Assumes the role of intervener should something happen to the original Intervener.
Still Photographer: Approaches last and photographs incidents, particularly altercations with the Camera person.
Propaganda/public relations: Talks to bystanders and hands out Copwatch literature and Know Your Rights cards. Spreads the word as to who Copwatch is and what we do.
Second camera person: Videotapes the entire scene from a distance, preferably out of the range of any police officers. Videotapes the intervention as well as any police-Copwatch interactions. Stays a safe distance away from the intervention so as to protect the videotape.
Notes
Don't ever leave or quit filming a scene until the situation is completely over. Not even if you were on your way home. If you need to change batteries or tapes, you should do so discreetly without a big fuss. Equipment problems should be handled smoothly and professionally.
A lot of people don't want to be filmed. Remember, you aren't filming them; you are filming the police. You can make this apparent by following the police with the camera when he/she walks to and from his patrol car, away from the suspects, etc. The announcement at the beginning of the intervention is done partly for this purpose. When people tell us not to film, the intervener says that we are not filming them, we are filming the police. Generally, this works. If a situation warrants it you should film no matter what, it is within your rights when you are on public property.
Responding to Threats to Arrest You
“You’re resisting arrest.”
Reply: No we’re not. No one here is intentionally preventing or obstructing you from effecting an arrest, search or transportation by using force against the peace officer or anyone else. We are acting nonviolently.
Key words: intentionally preventing or obstructing, force
Reference: Texas Penal Code Chapter 38, Section 3
“This is an unlawful assembly.”
Reply: Not, it’s not. We are not resisting your execution of process. We are not recklessly using physical force or violence or threatening to use force or violence. All we are doing is legally observing you and recording your actions.
Key words: riot, physical force, violence, not resisting execution of process
References: Texas Penal Code Chapter 8, Sections 1 and 7
“You’re committing disorderly conduct.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are stepping away as you requested, we’re not in you’re way, and we’re not obstructing public safety. We are standing a safe distance away. We are not using profane language or gestures.
Key words: refusal, order to disperse
Reference: Texas Penal Code Chapter 42, Section 1
“You’re obstructing a public thoroughfare (street, sidewalk, etc.).”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not rendering impassable nor are we rendering this passage unreasonably inconvenient or hazardous. We are performing a public service. We are not obstructing traffic, and have obeyed a reasonable request or order to move.
Key words: impassable, unreasonably inconvenient, reasonable request or order
Reference: Texas Penal Code Chapter 42, Section 3
“You’re interfering with (or obstructing) a police officer.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not, with criminal negligence, interrupting, disrupting, impeding, or otherwise interfering We are not threatening any officer’s safety. All we are doing is legally observing you and recording your actions.
Key words: criminal negligence, interrupting, disrupting, impeding, interfering
Reference: Texas Penal Code Chapter 38, Section 15
“You’re obstructing governmental operations.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not recklessly hindering an official proceeding by noise or violent or tumultuous behavior or disturbance and have not continued after explicit official request to desist.
Key words: official request, disturbance, recklessly hindering
Reference: Texas Penal Code Chapter 38, Section 13
“You’re assaulting a police officer.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing bodily injury to you or any other peace officer, nor are we threatening anyone with imminent bodily injury. No one here is in physical contact with you nor is anyone here trying to touch you. We are not threatening any officer’s safety.
Key words: bodily injury, imminent danger, touching
Reference: Texas Penal Code Chapter 22, Section 1
“You’re interfering with our ability to apprehend the suspect.”
Reply: No, we’re not. We are not preventing or hindering you from performing any of your duties. We are not here with intent to hinder the arrest, prosecution, conviction, or punishment of anyone (or with intent to hinder the arrest, detention, adjudication, or disposition of a child for engaging in delinquent conduct that violates a penal law of the grade of felony). All we are doing is observing the situation from a safe distance.
Key words: hindering, preventing
Reference: Texas Penal Code Chapter 38, Section 5
How to Deal With the Media
• Be courteous to the reporters.
• Be prepared to give the reporters a first and a last name and to be asked to take a picture or appear on camera. If you do not want to do this, then you are in no way obligated to, but keep in mind it doesn’t help for you to be there to offer any information about the group since the reporters can’t use it without a source.
• Keep in mind when talking to the media that you are doing so as a representative of Copwatch. If your views aren’t necessarily those of Copwatch, save them and focus on Copwatch’s message. It is preferable that personal information regarding members, personally held political views and patrolling habits are not shared with the press.
• Don’t act too eager when conducting an interview. This makes it weird for the person interviewing. We should act like we are used to talking to the press, discussing police brutality and that we can be used as a reliable source.
• Keep your answers brief so there is less chance that things get used out of context. This also helps keep unneeded chatter about internal operations from happening.
• Watch your body language and tone. If you’re nervous or defensive, it will show. Relax, but stay professional.
• During patrols, refer all questions to the propaganda/PR person. Everyone has a role during Copwatch and being distracted by a reporter on a deadline detracts from it. It’s ok to speak to the media after patrols, but stay on task during patrol.
• If you’re not sure about the answer a question, offer to get back to the press.
• If you wouldn’t say it on tape during patrol, don’t say it the media.
Media Questions and Suggested Answers
What is it that Copwatch does?
We are an all volunteer group that regularly videotapes the police during traffic stops or during routine stops.
How did Copwatch come about?
People who were concerned with police brutality and racism in the city started Copwatch. We learned the laws, obtained legal support, studied other Copwatch tactics and learned our rights before patrolling.
Why do you feel Copwatch is necessary?
Nearly every industry and profession in America, from doctors to lawyers to clothing manufacturers, has an independent oversight group that monitors abuses within that industry. The police need this kind of oversight as well. We employ the police with our tax dollars—we should have the right to monitor their performance.
Is there a problem with police brutality?
Yes, there is a prevalent problem with over-reaction by the police, Luis Torres, Ida Lee Delaney, (insert recent victims’ names) are all examples of police brutality. Another big problem is the “blue wall of silence” in which officers won’t criticize the conduct of other officers publicly. We try to overcome this wall by documenting police activities on videotape.
Is Copwatch “anti-cop”?
As a group we are all anti-police brutality.
Aren’t you just defending criminals instead of hardworking police?
No. We’re out there to ensure police do not abuse people’s rights.
Do you think Copwatch is effective?
Yes. When the people you are watching stand up straighter and practice politeness when interacting with those they are stopping, you realize that your presence is changing their behavior.
Do you catch a lot of brutality on camera?
We’re not patrolling to catch instances of brutality on camera, but to prevent it by police knowing we may be anywhere with cameras. We do our best to turn over footage of abuse to media and Internal Affairs.
What are the goals of Copwatch?
To establish Copwatch groups throughout the region and to establish civilian overview boards. We also demand an end to “shoot to kill” policies and high-speed chases.
How do the police react to Copwatch?
They generally keep their distance.
Do you think that people who are stopped by the police appreciate your presence?
Once they realize that we are not part of law enforcement or a television show, the response is usually quite positive.
Why did you join Copwatch?
It has been proven that police departments cannot be trusted to monitor their own behavior without bias, and if my use of a camera and knowledge of the law helps others, then I feel like my efforts in the fight against police brutality are well worth it.
Get a contact
Make sure to get a reporter’s business card or contact information (name, phone, fax, email, and which is best to use), find out if they regularly cover police and when the story you’ve been interviewed for is running (date and time).
After a Copwatch Patrol
After a Patrol
• Make sure all equipment is working, then turn it off and remove batteries.
• If everyone has the time and energy, find a private, quiet place for a debriefing session (keep drugs/alcohol policy in mind),
Debriefing: What it is and Why
When possible, every Copwatch patrol should be directly followed by a debriefing session. A debrief is where all team members on the night’s patrol sit down and discuss the patrol: what went right, what went wrong, what we did well; where we need to improve; community interaction, next patrol, etc. Debriefing helps us learn from our mistakes as well as successes. In the event of an arrest, deal with all legal issues first. Debriefing sessions can come later.
Debriefing should start by choosing a discussion facilitator and a notetaker (to fill out the Patrol Report and take general notes). These roles should rotate! Next, take an agenda of items for discussion. Effective debriefing sessions are conducted in a roundtable style, where every team member on the patrol has the floor to make comments.
The keys to an effective debrief are honesty and positive feedback. The purpose of a criticism is to find the happiest possible resolution to the problem. If someone made a mistake, it’s ok to say it. Likewise, you should be the first to acknowledge your own mistakes. However, it is important to avoid demeaning team members. We want to empower people to learn, not teach through guilt. Saying “You’re screwing up the whole team by looking around instead of being focused” puts a team member on the defensive. Saying “I noticed you were distracted by pedestrians during patrol, and we need to be careful about that” reminds us that an individual error is a collective problem. Try to maintain an attitude of everyone working against the problem and not against each other. You must be willing to work with your team at all times.
Effective group communication
To keep and motivate members, good communication is essential between all group members. It's more than just an exchange of words -- all behavior conveys some message. Communication is effective when the receiver correctly interprets the sender's intended message.
Sending a message effectively involves these steps:
• Clearly "own" your message. Use personal pronouns such as "I" and "my."
• Make your messages complete and specific (Which Monday? Which computer?).
• Make your verbal and non-verbal communication congruent (don't smile when you have bad news).
• Say important things more than once. Say them again in a different way.
• Check in with your listener. Ask for feedback concerning the way messages are being received.
• Send the message on a peer level (e.g.: member to member, not boss to employee).
You also need to be a good listener. Receiving messages effectively involves three steps:
• Check-in with the sender. Paraphrase the message back accurately, without evaluating.
• Describe your perceptions of the meaning of what was said.
• Clarify until sender and receiver agree on the message.
Patterns of communication among group members:
• Observe who talks the most. Try to have everyone attending say something at every debrief.
• Observe who talks to whom and when.
• Observe what "triggers" behavior, good and bad. Encourage behavior that helps the group communicate clearly.
• Interruption is very harmful. Have people wait their turn.
Beware of competition among members!
• A competitive rather than a cooperative climate blocks communication.
• Defensiveness comes out of feelings of competition, and it blocks communication.
• A cooperative climate leads to increased group cohesiveness and the ability to get more things done.
Spanish for Copwatch
Ok, so we’d all love to be bilingual, but many of us aren’t. But you will need to know some basic Spanish communication.
“We’re from Copwatch. We are not cops or part of any law enforcement agency. We are an all-volunteer group of people who observe the police in order to prevent police brutality and harassment. We’re going to observe and videotape the situation and make sure the police don’t hurt or harass you.” - "Somos miembros de Copwatch. No somos policia ni formamos parte de agencias del estado. Somos un grupo voluntario quienes observamos a la policia para prevenir la brutalidad policiaca y la violacion de derechos. Vamos a observar y grabar la situacion para asegurarle que la policia no le haga dano o le viole sus derechos."
Contact Basics
Hi - Hola
Good morning - Buenos días
Good afternoon - Buenas tardes
Good evening - Buenas noches
How are you? - ¿Cómo estás?
How’s it going? - ¿Qué tal?
I’m (name) of Copwatch - Soy (name) de Copwatch
Do you speak English? - Hablas inglés?
Do you speak Spanish? - ¿Hablas español?
I speak a little Spanish - Hablo un poco de español
Do you understand? - ¿Comprende?
I don’t understand - No comprendo
I don’t know - No sé
Wait a moment, please - Espere un momento, por favor.
I have some questions for you - Tengo algunas preguntas para usted.
Excuse me - Perdón / con permiso
Pardon? - ¿Cómo? OR ¿Mande?
How do you say? - ¿Cómo se dice?
More slowly - Más despacio
Really? - ¿Verdad?
Of course - Cómo no
I’m sorry - Lo siento
What a pity - Que lástima
Thanks a lot - Muchas gracias
Goodbye Adiós
You’re welcome - De nada
Same to you - Igualmente
Have a good day - Qué pase un buen día
Have a good evening/night - Qué pase una buena noche
Personal info
Last & first name - Apellido y nombre
What is your name? - ¿Cómo se llama?
A.K.A., nickname - Otros nombres, apodo
Do you have other names? - ¿Tiene otros nombres?
Home address - Dirección / domicilio...
Number - Número
Street - Calle
City - Ciudad
Zip code - Zona postal
State - Estado
Phone number...Número de teléfono...
...at home - de casa
at work - de trabajo
First and last name of parents - Nombre y apellido de padres
Business - Negocio
Work - Trabajo
School - Escuela
Profession - Profesión
D.O.B - Fecha de nacimiento
Month - Mes
Day - Día
Year - Año
Where were you born? ¿Dónde nació?
Month - Mes
Day - Día
Year - Año
When were you born? - ¿Cuándo nació?
Where were you born? ¿Dónde nació?
(Sex) man or woman Hombre o mujer
White - Blanco
Hispanic - Hispano
Latin - Latino
Black, Negro (neh-grow), moreno
Asian - Asiático
What’s his/her race? ¿Cuál es su raza?
Hair: Pelo OR cabello
Blond, brown, black Rubio, café, negro
Blond Hair Pelo OR cabello rubio
Brown, brown (dark) hair Pelo café
Brown (light) hair Pelo castaño
Black hair Pelo negro
Red hair Pelo rojo OR pelirrojo
White hair Pelo blanco
Gray hair Pelo gris OR pelo canoso
What’s the color of his /her hair - ¿Cuál es el (De qué...) color de su pelo?
Short hair - Pelo corto
Medium hair - Pelo mediano
Long hair - Pelo largo
Bald - Calvo
Shaved - Afeitado
Clothes - Ropa
Gang - Pandilla / ganga
Gang member - Pandillero
Gang name - Nombre de pandilla
On Probation - En “probación”
On Parole - En “parole”
Gang associate - Asociado de pandilla
P.O. name - Nombre de “oficial de “probación”
Public
Adolescent - adolescente
Adult - adulto
Baby - bebé
Boy - muchacho OR niño
Girl muchacha OR niña
Civilian - ciudadano
Customer - cliente
Driver - conductor
Elderly person - anciano
Employee - empleado
Employer - patrón OR jefe
Friend - amigo
Friend of his - amigo de el
Friend of hers - amigo de ella
Immigrant - inmigrante
Informant - informante (slang: rata)
Man - hombre
Woman - mujer
Minor - menor de edad
Neighbor - vecino
Owner - dueño OR propietario
Pedestrian - peatón
Public - público
Renter - inquilino
Residente - residente
Stranger - desconocido
Tourist - turista
Vagrant - vagabundo
Victim - víctima
Visitor - visitante
Youth - joven
Witness - testigo
Criminals
Arsonist - incendiario
Assailant - asaltante
Bank robber - atracador
Burglar, robber - thief ladrón
Criminal - criminal (cree-mee-nahl)
Delinquent - delinquente
Drug dealer - narcotraficante
Felon - felón
Forger - falsificador
Gang member - pandillero
Inmate - preso
Mugger - asaltante
Murderer - asesino
Pickpocket - ratero
Rapist - violador
Suspect - sospechoso
Weapons
Axe - hacha
Baseball bat - bate de béisbol
Bottle - botella
Brick - ladrillo
Chain - cadena
Firearm arma de fuego
Fork - tenedor
Gun - pistola
Hammer - martillo
Knife - cuchillo
Machete - machete (ma-shet-te)
Machine gun ametralladora
Nightstick - porra OR bastón
Razor blade - hoja de afeitar
Revolver - revólver
Rifle - rifle
Rope - cuerda
Rock - piedra
Scissors - tijeras
Screwdriver - destornillador
Shotgun - escopeta
Stick - palo
Switchblade - navaja
Weapon - arma
Wrench - llave
Special Commands
Against - Contra
Ankles - Tobillos
Arms - Brazos
Arms out / extended - Brazos afuera / extendidos
Back - Atrás
Careful - Cuidado
Down - Abajo
Enough - Basta
Fast, Quick - Rápido
Forward - Adelante
Hands - Manos
Hands behind you - Manos detrás de usted
Hands out of your pockets - Manos afuera de los bolsillos
Hands on the wall - Manos en la pared
Hands on top of the car - Manos encima del carro
Hands in sight - Manos en vista
Hands on the steering wheel - Manos en el volante
Inside - Adentro
On the ground, floor - Al suelo
On the ground, face down - Al suelo, boca abajo
On your feet - De pie
On your knees - De rodillas
Outside - Afuera
Palms up - Palmas arriba
Palms in sight - Palmas en vista
Right now - Ahora mismo
Silence - Silencio
Slow, Slowly - Despacio
Stop - Alto
To the left - A la izquierda
To the right - A la derecha
Injuries
Ache - dolor
Ache, to - doler
AIDS - SIDA
Attack - ataque
Bandage - venda
Bleed, to - sangrar
Blood - sangre
Broken - roto
Bruise - moretón
Chest pains dolores de pecho
Collapse - desplome
Concussion - concusión
Cut - cortado
Epileptic - epiléptico
Fever - fiebre
Fall - caída
Fracture - fractura
Gash - cuchillada
Heart attack - ataque al corazón
High blood pressure - presión alta
Injury - herida
Medication - medicamento
Medicine - medicina
Oxygen - oxígeno
Rupture - rotura
Scrape - herida
Scratch - rasguño
Seizure - ataque
Sick - enfermo
Sprain - torcedura
Stroke - derrame
Cerebral Wound - herida
Scene Terms
Is there anybody in this building? - ¿Hay alguien en este edificio?
Is there anybody hurt (injured)? - ¿Hay alguien herido OR lesionado OR lastimado?
We’re coming - Ya vamos
What’s happening here? - ¿Qué pasa aquí?
What happened here? - ¿Qué pasó aquí?
Close (open) the windows - Cierre (abra) las ventanas
Open the door - Abra la puerta
Who here saw what happened? - ¿Quién aquí vio lo que pasó
It’s an emergency - Es una emergencia
It’s dangerous - Es peligroso
It’s hot (weather) - Hace calor
It’s cold (weather) - Hace frío
What happened? - ¿Qué pasó?
Do you have a problem? - ¿Tiene un problema?
Are you ill, sick? - ¿Está enfermo?
Are you dizzy? - ¿Está mareado?
Are you injured? - ¿Está herido? OR ¿Está lastimado?
Are you bleeding? - ¿Está sangrando?
You’ve got a broken arm - Tiene el brazo roto
How do you feel? - ¿Cómo se siente?
Breathe deeply - Respire profundo
Do you want to see a doctor? - ¿Quiere ver un médico?
Do you want to go to the hospital? - ¿Quiere ir al hospital?
Do you want an ambulance? - ¿Quiere una ambulancia?
Do you have medical insurance? - ¿Tiene seguro médico?
How was the man (feeling)? - ¿Cómo estaba el hombre?
He was drunk - Estaba borracho.
He was high - Estaba drogado.
Slang
Police - placa (plah-ca), jura (juh-ra)
INS - migra (mee-grah)
Crew, gang - clicka (clee-ka)
Fight - pleito (plee-eto)
Gun - cuete (cu-et-ay)
Jail - torcida (tor-cee-dah)
Prison - pinta (peen-ta)
Tattoo - Taca (tah-ca)
Addict - tecate (not to be mistaken with the beer)
Look out - trucha (true-cha)
Nortenos (NOR-ten-yos) and Surenos (SUR-en-yos) are differing gang affiliations that originated in the early 1960s.
Please be mindful that some Hispanic people take the word "Mexican" as an insult while others do not.
Police Radio Frequencies
Frequency Channel Description
453.8500 N/A Houston PD
460.3750 N/A Houston PD
453.9000 N/A Houston PD Administrative Dispatch
460.3250 123.0 1 North Shepherd - Patrol B HPD
460.1250 123.0 2 Northeast - Patrol C HPD
460.0250 123.0 3 Southeast - Patrol D HPD
460.0500 123.0 4 Southwest (Beechnut) - Patrol E HPD
460.4250 123.0 5 Citywide - A5, B5 HPD
460.1000 123.0 6 Central - Patrol A HPD
460.3500 123.0 7 Special Ops - M, Y, Z HPD
460.2250 8 Car to Car - Simplex - Bolivar Ferry HPD
460.4000 9 South Central - Patrol H HPD
460.5500 123.0 10 Detectives - A10 HPD
460.4750 123.0 11 Northwest - Patrol F HPD
460.1500 123.0 12 West - Patrol G HPD
460.0750 13 South-Central Dispatch
460.3750 123.0 B02 TAC 1 (or accidents)
460.5250 B03 Vice or Narc Surveillance
460.0750 B04 Tactical Comms-Surveillance (may be encrypted)
460.4000 B09 NAR/CID/Vice/Juvenille HPD
453.7000 127.3 B10 Houston Police - Airport - Bush IAH
453.9000 123.0 B12 Houston Police - Airport - Hobby
453.6500 N/A Houston Police Communication Technicians
453.7000 N/A Houston PD: Mobile Data Terminals (Data)
465.2250 N/A Houston Police SWAT
465.3750 N/A Houston Police TAC 2
464.6875 N/A Almeda Mall
465.5500 N/A Deerbrook Mall
490.4625 N/A Galleria Mall - Security
490.4875 N/A Galleria Mall - Setec Security
463.5375 N/A George Brown Conv. Ctr. - Security
464.8250 N/A Greenspoint Mall
462.8250 N/A Gulfgate Mall
154.5150 N/A Northwest Mall
464.9250 N/A Town & Country Mall
464.3250 179.9 N/A Willowbrook Mall
469.5000 N/A Woodlands Mall Security
460.5000 N/A Texas City Police
453.5250 N/A Tomball PD
460.1750 N/A Bellaire Police
155.1875 N/A Deer Park Police
453.3000 N/A Hedwig Village PD - Car to Car
453.1500 N/A Hedwig Village PD - Dispatch
453.9000 N/A Houston City Marshall
453.5750 N/A Humble Police
453.2500 N/A Jacinto City Police
155.6400 N/A Jersey Village PD
453.2000 N/A Medical Center Police
161.2950 N/A AMTRAK Police
155.4450 N/A DPS Base
155.4600 N/A DPS Base
154.9500 N/A DPS Car to Car
155.3700 N/A DPS Intercity
154.6800 N/A DPS Mobile
154.6950 N/A DPS Mobile
155.5050 N/A DPS Narcotics/Vice
156.2100 N/A DPS TABC
153.9200 N/A Harris Co. Sheriff Simulcast
154.8900 N/A Harris Co. Sheriff Simulcast
Police Radio Codes
Houston Police Codes
10-10 Negative 10-32 --Units Needed
10-11 ____ On Duty 10-33 Officer Needs Help
10-14 Message 10-34 Correct Time
10-15 Message Delivered 10-40 Subject Detained-Expedite
10-16 Reply To Message 10-48 Request Criminal History
10-17 En Route To _____ 10-71 Officer Needs Assistance
10-18 Urgent 10-72 Officer Safety Check
10-19 In Contact 10-73 Are You OK?
10-26 Estimated Time Of Arrival 10-97 Known Offender
10-30 Danger--Use Caution 10-98 Criminal History Indicated
10-31 Pick Up
Texas Department of Public Safety
10-40 Expedite--Subject Detained 10-73 Advise Current Status
10-41 Beginning Tour Of Duty 10-81 Breathalyzer Needed
10-42 Ending Tour Of Duty 10-86 Officer On Duty
10-43 Request Criminal History 10-95 Subject In Custody
10-54 Silent Pursuit 10-96 Mental Subject
10-55 Intoxicated Driver 10-97 Known Offender
10-56 Warrant Indicated 10-98 Criminal History Indicated
10-71 Officer Needs Assistance 10-99 Wanted/Stolen Indicated
10-72 Check For Safety Of Officer
Houston Police Premise Codes
24A Adult Bookstore / Newsstand 11L Libraries, Museums
01A Airport Terminal 18L Liquor Store Parking Lot
13A Alley 170 Liquor Store
05A Amusement Park, Bowling Alley, Skating Rink 05N Maintenance / Building Services
20L Apartment Laundry 05M Mall Common Area
18A Apartment Parking Lot 18U Mall Parking Lot
20A Apartment 24M Marine Veh Sales, Boats, Sailboats
05R Apartment / Rental Office 22M Middle School
05E Auto Repair 05Z Misc Business (Non-Specific)
02B Bank 20M Mobile Home
18B Bank / Saving Institution Parking Lot 20P Multi-plex Home (Duplex, Triplex, etc)
18N Bar / Night Club Parking Lot 20N Nursing Home
03B Bar / Night Club 050 Office Building
05B Barber and Beauty Shops 180 Other Parking Lot
05H Body Shop 250 Other / Unknown
24B Book, Record, Stationary, Office Sup. 01P Park & Ride Terminal
01B Bus Station 11R Parks & Recreation, Zoo, Swimming Pool
13B Bus Stop 24P Pawn / Resale Shop / Flea Market
05D Car Wash 09P Physician's Office
05Q Check Cashing Places 11P Police Station
040 Church / Synagogue / Temple 05P Pool Hall / Game Room
18W Church / Synagogue / Temple Parking Lot 22P Private School
24C Clothing Store 01K Railroad Track / Right of Way
05C Commercial Building 09R Rehabilitation Center
22C Commercial or Training School 190 Rental Storage Facility
18P Commercial Parking Lot / Garage 20R Residence / House
20C Condominium 18R Restaurant / Cafeteria Parking Lot
060 Construction Site 210 Restaurant / Cafeteria
13C Contra-Flow / HOV 13R Road / Street / Sidewalk
18C Convenience Store Parking Lot 02S Savings and Loan Institutions
070 Convenience Store 23S Service / Gas Station
11C Convention Center / Exhibit Halls 18S Sexually Oriented Business Parking Lot
02C Credit Union 03S Sexually Oriented Club
22D Day Care / Child Care / Kindergarten 11S Social Services / Public Charities
080 Department / Discount Store 240 Specialty Store (Non-Specific)
20D Driveway 24S Sporting Goods / Gun Shops
09D Drug Store / Medical Supply 05S Stadium / Sports Arena / Race Track
24E Electronics Store, Electrical Sup. 18T Strip Business Center Parking Lot
22E Elementary School 05T Theaters, Dinner Theaters, Auditoriums
05F Factory / Manufacturing / Industrial 13T Tollway
100 Field / Woods 24T Toys, Arts & Crafts, Musical, Bike, Pet
11F Fire Station 01T Train Terminal
13S Freeway Service Road 22U University / College
24F Furniture, Appliances, Radios, TV 05U Utility Company, Electric, Gas, Water
20G Garage / Carport 02V Vacant Bank
24G Garden Supply, Nursery, Florist 05V Vacant Building (Commercial)
11G Government / Public Building 04V Vacant Church / Synagogue / Temple
120 Grocery / Supermarket 11V Vacant Government / Public Building
18G Grocery / Supermarket Parking Lot 12V Vacant Grocery / Supermarket
05G Gym, Recreat, Club House, Indoor Pool, Spa 09V Vacant Hospital
20H High Rise 14V Vacant Hotel / Motel / Etc.
22H High School 05V Vacant Industrial / Manufacturing
13H Highway / Freeway 15V Vacant Jail / Prison
18H Hospital Parking Lot 20W Vacant Other Residential (Apartment, Inn, Dorms, Boarding House)
09H Hospital 25V Vacant Other Structure (Out Buildings, Monuments, Buildings Under Construction, etc)
18M Hotel / Motel Parking Lot 21V Vacant Restaurant
140 Hotel / Motel / Etc. 22V Vacant School / College
150 Jail / Prison 20V Vacant Single Occupancy Residence (Houses, Townhouses, Duplexes, etc)
24J Jewelry Stores 19V Vacant Storage Facility (Barns, Garages, Warehouses, etc)
160 Lake / Waterway / Bayou 05X Vehicle / Auto Sales / Lease / Auto Parts Store
18D Laundry / Dry Cleaners Parking Lot 24V Video Rental & Sales
05L Laundry / Dry Cleaners/ Washaterias 05W Warehouse
How to File a Police Complaint
Those on the street may ask why we encourage people to file complaints and how to file a complaint. Copwatch encourages people to file complaints because a public record of police abuse exists that may be actionable by public officials, lawyers, etc. While we may not have faith that abusive cops will be fired, our struggle for justice must be fought on every level.
What is abuse?
The police are only allowed to use force in proportion to the force used by the suspect, and only in order to restrain the suspect during a lawful detention or arrest. Use of racial/ethnic slurs, anti-gay epithets or profanity against the public is generally frowned upon officially.
How to file a complaint
How complaints are filed depends on the police department.
All complaints received by the Houston Police Department are processed through the Central Intake Office. When a complaint is received, it is reviewed to determine the nature of the allegations. The most serious type of complaints are investigated by the Internal Affairs Division. These complaints involve allegations such as excessive force, any discharge of firearms, or criminal activity such as theft. Complaints such as rude behavior or improper procedure, are forwarded to the individual officer's division for investigation. In every case, the person making the complaint will be contacted during the investigation for additional information, and will be notified by mail of the final disposition.
Write:
Citizens' Review Committee
1200 Travis, Suite 2001
Houston, Texas 77002-6006
Internal Affairs Division
1200 Travis #2001
Houston, TX 77002-6006
Chief of Police
Houston Police Department
1200 Travis, Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77002-6006
Copwatch’s Know Your Rights cards explain all the things a victim of police abuse should document.
Do not stop there!
Encourage complainants to report abuses to their city council member, the mayor, their state representatives, judges, the ACLU, LULAC and NAACP. They can get many of these numbers from the area League of Women Voters, which is listed in the phone book or by calling information (411).
Federal complaints
Complainants can file federal civil rights complaints with the Department of Justice. The most effective means of filing a complaint is to write a letter to the Section explaining the situation about which you are complaining, with as much detail as possible. If you are aware of similar incidents involving others, please include that information as well. Please include information on how to contact you if we need further information (such as an address and telephone number). Also, do not include original documents as DoJ cannot guarantee their safe return. Address all complaints to:
Special Litigation Section
P.O. Box 66400
Washington, D.C. 20035-6400
The Section can also be reached by telephone (202-514-6255) or fax (202-514-0212 or 202-514-6273).
Media
Those wishing to speak publicly should what happened should be encouraged to go to the media. If they want to post their accounts online, the Houston Independent Media Center allows for free posting of news and accounts. The website is at: houston.indymedia.org.
Houston Copwatch Incident Report
LOCATION/INCIDENT INFORMATION
• Notetaker: • Date:
• Location: • Time:
• Type of incident (traffic stop, loitering, etc.):
POLICE OFFICERS INVOLVED
• Officers’ names and badge numbers
Name: Badge #: Race/Sex:
Name: Badge #: Race/Sex:
Name: Badge #: Race/Sex:
Name: Badge #: Race/Sex:
Continue on other side, if necessary.
• Squad car numbers and license numbers
Squad car number: License plate:
Squad car number: License plate:
Squad car number: License plate:
Continue on other side, if necessary.
• Other relevant police information (dogs, number of police, presence of SWAT, etc.):
VICTIM/SURVIVOR INFORMATION
Name: Phone: Race/Sex:
Address/Way to Contact:
Suspected Charge: Injuries (if any):
THE INCIDENT
• Description of incident (use other side if necessary):
Houston Copwatch Patrol Report
LOCATION/PATROL INFORMATION
• Team Members: • Date:
• Locations Visited: • Hours:
PATROL ASSESSMENT
• Summary of Patrol:
• Number of Incidents Monitored, if any: _____ (Please make sure Copwatch Incident Reports are completed.)
• Positive Aspects of Patrol (what went well, etc.):
• Negative Aspects of Patrol (what problems arose, etc.):
POLICE ASSESSMENT
• Summary of police interaction this patrol:
• Good aspects of police interaction by the team:
• Issues that arose during police interaction by the team:
• General police demeanor or specific officers/behavior:
• Tactics the police used during interactions with the community:
• Tactics the police used during interactions with Copwatch:
TEAM ASSESSMENT
• Summary of how the team functioned this patrol:
• Good things the team did this patrol:
• What the team did that needs improvement:
COMMUNITY ASSESSMENT
• Summary of community interaction this patrol:
• Good aspects of community interaction by the team:
• Issues that arose during community interaction by the team:
• Frequently asked questions and/or questions team members were unable to answer:
• Contact information of those requesting more from Copwatch (info and request):
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
•
Copwatch Patrol Checklist
• Team Members Present: • Date:
• Hours Planned:
Materials
Notetaker’s notebook: notepad, pens, letter from the Police Chief, statutes and codes
Information materials: bust cards, Copwatch info pamphlets
Video camera, blank videotape, charged battery
Tape recorders, blank tapes, charged battery
Still camera, film, flash, charged battery
Scanner, charged battery, police codes
Penlights, map
T-shirts
Automobile
Necessary documentation: driver’s license, valid registration, valid insurance, valid inspection stickers
Car check: Lights, seatbelts, general condition of the car
Support
Lawyer’s phone number memorized
Home contact’s phone number memorized
Home contact person has a press list
Personnel
No one here is currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
No one here has any illegal substances on their person.
No one here is carrying a weapon without the explicit knowledge and consent of the entire patrol.
Everyone here is mentally and physically prepared for the patrol and no one possesses an attitude or frame of mind that could hurt the patrol.
The roles are assigned and everyone agrees on the role assignment.
Roles
Patrolling Intervening
Driver: Intervener:
Navigator: Camera:
Scanner: Notetaker:
Notetaker: Still camera:
Notetaker 2: Public Relations:
2nd camera:
Copwatch Member Data Sheet
Member Information
Name:
Home Phone:
Work Phone:
E-mail Address:
Home Address:
Emergency Contact Information
Name:
Relationship:
Phone:
Are there any medical conditions/allergies that Copwatch should be aware of? Yes No
If so, please list below:
Areas of Interest
Patrols Public Speaking Fundraising
Events/Tabling General office help Distributing flyers/literature
Legal Newsletter/flyers Community Outreach/Recruitment
Research Website/Email Training others to Copwatch
Fundraising Media/Press Other ________________________________
Miscellaneous
Add me to the email list. E-mail address: [ ] digest [ ] regular
Acknowledgements
I have received and reviewed materials from Copwatch, including (but not limited to): principles, mission, demands, member responsibilities, nonviolence guidelines and policies. I am in agreement with these materials and agree to abide by rules and requests specified in these materials. I understand it is my responsibility to be familiar with all Copwatch materials.
Signature:
Print Name: Date:
I understand that Copwatch cannot guarantee my personal safety or the safety of personal items. I understand that, by participating in Copwatch, I agree to hold harmless Copwatch and its members from all liability from issues that may arise from and during my participation in Copwatch activities.
Signature:
Print Name: Date:
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