Safety Guidance for Protesters

Introduction: The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution provides for “the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.”  This right is effectively exercised via non-violent protests for which history indicates: 

 “Nonviolent protests are twice as likely to succeed as armed conflicts – and those engaging a threshold of 3.5% of the population have never failed to bring about change”.

Our Protests are in the public Right-of-Way of State Road 60 west of 58th Avenue in Vero Beach. Provisions for safety are needed to protect protesters from vehicles and likely counter-protesters. Our Safety Captains are present at protests – identifiable with their bright-yellow vests

Protesters must avoid interference with pedestrian and vehicle traffic.  Governor Ron DeSantis said Floridians have a right to hit protesters with their vehicle if they need to “flee for your safety.”   Protesters can avoid vehicles by simply staying away from the road.  

At previous protests, a few counter-protesters moved through and around the protesters. The counter-protesters were apparently seeking a confrontation they might photograph and that they might escalate to a criminal charge against protesters. Deputies from the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office, present at protests, have advised us that Deputy Sheriffs cannot arrest a protester or counter-protester unless physical harm or a threat of physical harm is made; however, Deputies must treat protesters and counter-protesters equally.

Do:

• Stand in the grass at least 3 feet from the curb to avoid interference with vehicle traffic. 
• Respect counter-protesters and their rights; ideally just smile and wave at them.
• Consciously commit to non-violence; stay calm, focused, and peaceful.
• Move away from counter-protestors or any upset spectators that may approach you.
• Video or photograph any incidents; write down a description of who & what you witness 
• Call 911 upon any threats of violence, actual violence, or medical emergency. 
• Obey orders from a Deputy Sheriff and remember you have the right to remain silent. 

Don’t: 

• Block other pedestrians on the sidewalk or elsewhere.
• Attempt to persuade or reason with a counter-protester. 
• Engage in arguments, shouting matches, or physical confrontations.
• Antagonize counter-protesters or unfriendly vehicle passengers with rude gestures.
• Assault a counter-protesters – via a “threat by word or act to do violence”.
• Commit battery – by touching or striking a counter-protester (or anything they’re holding) against their will.
• Open carry weapons or confront anyone with a weapon.
• Put yourself in a vulnerable situation.

The following is adapted from:  Protesters’ Rights | American Civil Liberties Union

What to do if you are stopped or detained by a Sheriff Deputy 

• • Always remain calm.
  • Never verbally or physically resist a Sheriff Deputy.
  • Keep your hands visible. 
  • Video or photograph the Deputy and patrol car.
  • Ask the officer if you are free to leave. If the answer is yes, calmly walk away.
  • If a Deputy tells you to leave or move along, do so.

• If you see someone arrested, note the name of the arrested person and contact the DEC office ASAP.

• If you are detained, ask the officer what crime you are suspected of committing? 

• If you are under arrest, say you wish to remain silent and ask for a lawyer immediately. Don’t say anything or sign anything without a lawyer.
• You have the right to make a local phone call, and if you’re calling your lawyer from jail, Sheriff deputies are not allowed to listen.
• You never have to consent to a search of yourself or your belongings. If you do explicitly consent, it can affect you later in court.
• Deputies may “pat down” your clothing if they suspect you have a weapon and may search you after an arrest.
• Deputies may not confiscate, view, or delete your photographs or video without a warrant. However, they may order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations.

Download/Save a copy of these Guidelines here to have on hand or to share with friends and family! 2026-01-16 Safety Guidance for Protesters