As protests continue in Los Angeles against ICE raids, journalists must know how to stay safe. In recent days, members of the press covering these demonstrations have faced violence from law enforcement, including being struck by rubber bullets and exposed to tear gas.
According to Reporters Without Borders, at least 27 journalists have been attacked by law enforcement while covering the protests between June 6 and June 8.
“We really need to think about creating a culture of safety collectively, of keeping each other safe as journalists … but also keeping the people we cover safe because that really impacts down the line whether we’re safe doing our work,” said Corinne Chin, director of news talent for recruitment at The Associated Press, during an Institute program on journalist safety.
Here are tips journalists can use to stay safe during protest coverage:
Before heading into the field
- Do your research. Scout your locations ahead of time. Identify exit routes, choke points, and safe parking. Understand the cultural context of the space and those involved in the protest. Familiarize yourself with local power structures, including law enforcement, political groups, and social dynamics.
- Conduct a risk assessment. Identify potential hazards: Who might be at risk, and how likely each risk is. Plan how to mitigate each threat.
- Communicate with police. Establish a line of communication with local law enforcement to clarify expectations on both sides. “Trying to figure all of this out in the heat of a riot, the heat of a protest, is never going to be productive,” said Mickey Osterreicher, general counsel to the National Press Photographers Association (NPPA). “You should have and build a relationship.”
What to bring
- Print emergency contacts and ID. Always carry your press credentials and know how to display them safely.
- Wear practical clothing. Avoid open-toed shoes or anything impractical for quick movement or unpredictable conditions.
- Bring protective gear. Consider wearing goggles and a respirator in case of tear gas, and carry a basic first-aid kit. Use this checklist for preparing your safety kit.
- Use the buddy system. Work in teams when possible. Freelancers should consider partnering with others on the ground.
In the field
- Maintain situational awareness. Know where your exits are, who is nearby, and where your team is located. Regularly check in with your physical and mental state. “Do not get tunnel vision,” Osterreicher said. “Look around you. Be aware of what’s happening.”
- Stay in touch with your team. Agree on rally points and what to do if separated. For example, meet at a set location every 30 minutes. Have a backup meeting spot away from the protest zone. Plan communication strategies in case phones are down. Set clear signals for when to leave.
- Keep your focus. Be intentional in your reporting. “What is it that you want to let people know?” said Chin. “There are things that we can do collectively to be a little bit more thoughtful about it.”
Interacting with law enforcement
- Prepare for confrontations. Police may seize equipment or detain journalists. Carry a lawyer’s number on paper, use a secondary phone if needed, and establish backup communication methods. (Keep the number for the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press free Legal Hotline handy.)
- Document everything. Record all law enforcement interactions for accountability. “Don’t assume that just because there are laws in place to protect you that the authorities are necessarily going to follow them,” said Seth Stern, director of advocacy at Freedom of the Press Foundation, during another Institute program on safety tips for journalists in the field.
- Protect your sources and materials. Use encrypted tools like Signal for secure and confidential communication. Be aware of local laws about filming police.
- Seek legal backup. Contact organizations such as RCFP or your local American Civil Liberties Union chapter.
- Tell your story. Write about your interactions with law enforcement. “Make a scene, make some noise,” Stern said. “This is a real threat, not just to journalists, but to the public.”
Know your rights
Understanding your legal protections is essential.
“Everything that’s legal, it’s always more complicated than a simple yes or no,” Osterreicher said.
Key protections to remember:
- The First Amendment guarantees five protections, including the right to speech and the press, but is subject to time, place and manner restrictions. Photography and videography are considered a form of free speech.
- The Fourth Amendment protects journalists against unreasonable search and seizure.
- The 14th Amendment ensures due process and equal protection under the law.
- The Privacy Protection Act of 1980 shields journalists’ work product from being seized.
These tips were pulled from the following previous Institute programs: “Protest Protocol: How journalists can stay safe in times of unrest” and “Arrested on the Job: Press freedom trends & advice for journalists working in the field.