Ten commandments of dos and don’ts
‘Revolting Britain!’ – A journalist’s safety guide to covering public disorder stories and others in similar dangerous circumstances.
- Most violent demos happen at night. Wear dark clothing, carry the minimum money necessary and use a mobile phone discreetly.
- Carry a minimum amount of equipment…and NO bulging camera bag or laptop computer
- Don’t use flash…it’ll pinpoint you, and you may get a brick by return.
- Don’t wander off on your own. Stick with colleagues, or in sight of police lines.
- Always try to be on the move, don’t stand still for more than a few moments; you tend to stay alert if you’re on the move, and always be aware of what’s going on around you.
- Don’t hold extended conversations on your mobile phone, it’ll distract you from what’s going on around you. If the office keep calling you, tell them to stop. You’ve got a riot to cover.
- If you must carry valuables like a credit card, use a concealed zip fastened pocket for this, and the bulk of your cash. Carry a fiver in an outside pocket ready to “make available” in case you get mugged…if they see your pocket is otherwise empty, they may move on.
- Do not take anything for granted. Know. Be certain and don’t attract attention to yourself by your clothes or by your actions.
- Do not be foolhardy or macho. That last good quote or last good photo should not be your last.
- Do not imagine it can’t happen to you – IT CAN!
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