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Advice on Protests

Please find below some advice if you are organising or participating in a protest.

Advice for safe and lawful protests

STAY SAFE – STAY PEACEFUL – STAY LAWFUL

The right to protest is a fundamental human right and a key foundation of a democratic society. However, this right is limited by the need to uphold the rights of others, protect public health and safety, minimise disruption to normal life and by the need to prevent and detect crime. The role of the police is to facilitate the exercise of freedom of expression, while ensuring the rights of all persons are protected. We will do so without discrimination.

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

  • If requested, we would ask that you engage with the police.
  • You must not endanger the safety of yourself, participants in the protest or anybody else.
  • You should not use violent, intimidating or threatening behaviour.
  • You should not block the roadway or footpath.
  • You should respect the rights of others.
  • You should follow instructions provided by police.
  • If you are organising a public procession, you must notify the Parades Commission. More details can be found on the Parades Comission website.

WHAT WILL POLICE DO?

  • We may contact the organiser of a protest to better understand what is planned. This reduces the likelihood that police will need to intervene during the protest.
  • If appropriate, we will attend the protest to ensure that the rights of all concerned are upheld.
  • We may identify any issues of concern e.g. potential criminal offences or unacceptable impact on the rights of others.
  • We may issue lawful instructions to organisers and participants in order to ensure the protest remains lawful.
  • We will keep a record of our interactions with organisers to facilitate accountability.
  • If disorder occurs (e.g. by participants in the protest or by persons opposed to it) we will take lawful and proportionate action in response.

IF AN OFFENCE IS SUSPECTED BY POLICE:

  • We may record evidence e.g. by way of handheld or vehicle mounted-cameras.
  • Where possible, we may warn persons suspected of committing an offence.
  • We may arrest and detain persons suspected of committing an offence.

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