Forum Post: Tips for Accosting and Confronting people
Posted 13 years ago on Nov. 8, 2011, 5:38 p.m. EST by ramous
(765)
from Wabash, IN
This content is user submitted and not an official statement
Watching the videos of where we in OWS are accosting people, (blocking their way, temporarily 'holding them' or otherwise making them a 'captive' by restricting their freedom of movement) is resulting in injuries and bad press for OWS. Here are some tips on how to confront people without 'holding' or 'arresting' them.
Remember any time you hold/accost/block, arrest their movement, or otherwise temporarily make someone your 'captive' whether on the street or sidewalk or in their car, it is a violent act and you are making a threat to their safety. They can remove themselves from that threat of violence, even if its through you or over you. While we don't care if we break the law, we should care about our safety or bad press. So here are the tips.
On the street or sidewalk. Don't block them bodily by getting in front of them, or hamper their movement. Walk beside them, run beside them if you have to, and shout. If you move in front of them so that they have to stop, you are arresting them. BUT If they stop when you have not forced them to stop, they are -choosing- to stop and engage, and it becomes a joint participation confrontation.
In their car. Be sure to stay on the sides of the cars. Knock on the windows for their attention, and shout loud enough for them to hear. Walk or run beside them. If you move in front of them so that you force them to stop, you are arresting them. BUT if they get pissed enough at you so that they stop, they are -choosing- to stop and engage.
Put the burden and the action on the person you want to confront, make them the evil doer and the violent person by choosing to engage with us. Turn the tables, remain non-violent by not forcing people to stop, and we'll soon be flooding the video feeds with them forcing US to stop.
there is no implicit threat of violence
You got it! not if you remain to the SIDES of people or their cars. If you block and arrest their movement and take them 'captive' however temporarily, yes, there is threat of violence.
stop lights threaten violence?
Good tips combined with Cameras Cameras and more Cameras.
This is a good post. And a reminder that your rights end where another's begin.
Also, screaming at someone could be seen as threatening. Be careful. I know NY is technically a more liberal state, but I'm sure I don't have to tell occupiers in Chicago that doing some of the above mentioned will most likely get you shot.
Stop blocking people.