◆ SpookStack

~ T J Will you take legal action against officials Who rough you up or otherwise molest you in the course oi a demonstration? An attorney should clarify to the group what is involved in such a decision;_ but the final decision should be yours, not his. Some have said that personal actions against officers who, after all, only reflect a generally evil situation, do not help. On the other hand, it should be made clear to officials that you will not tolerate the illegal enforcement of law. In many cases of brutality it will become necessary for you to document the charges by making out a paper called an "affidavit. " You should therefore be clear as to exactly what happened, to whom, and by whom. This should include police officers badge numbers , what kind of police sheriffs or county, local police, state police, etc.!, physical descriptions. You should try to write down what happened as soon as possible, because people's memories, es- pecially under pressure, play tricks. Your attitude towards the police can contribute to creating a new and better situation. Polite- ness is often disarming . The polite but firm use of "sir" helps convince the police that you have a regard for them as human beings; it also tells them you will not be bullied. While we do not seek, here. to give final answers on these many points. we do want to make the point that answers should be arrived at before the demonstration begins. First, it will create a higher sense of morale because participants will know better what to expect, and will feel that the leadership is being responsible and responsive to them. Second, it educates participants as to the principles and purposes of a demonstration. Any participant may find himself a spokesman, if not in a public situation such as a trial, then lsterat home in the community. Educated par- ticipants are agents for the growth of the move- 100 ment. Participants who simply follow the leader are sheep to be misled by every orator who comes down the street. 101