WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ...THE REPUBLICAN NATIONAL CONVENTION (RNC)

ACLU | June 19, 2024

What you should know in order to keep you and family safe during the upcoming Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

BASIC INFORMATION

When: Monday, July 15 - Thursday, July 18

Where: 90 block security Zone - Fiserv Forum area

North: Cherry Street; West: 9th St; South: Clybourn Street; and, East: Water Street.

Concealed Carry Implications; Most firearms will be allowed within the security footprint because state law prevents the City from banning them. Given Wisconsin's gun laws, we must assume folks may be armed.

SPECIALIZED INFORMATION

(1) Significant increase in outside law enforcement presence

• 1,600 officers from the Milwaukee Police Department

• 800 officers from other WI law enforcement agencies

• 1,600 officers from over 100 out-of-state law enforcement agencies will be present during the week of the RNC = 4000+ law enforcement officers present for just the RNC

• The governor has activated the Wisconsin National Guard

• Federal law enforcement-including the Secret Service-will also be present.

(2) According to MPD, law enforcement officers from outside jurisdictions will not be required to wear body cameras unless their department already uses body cameras and has a department policy on body camera usage.

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

(1) Surveillance precautions

• Use encrypted messaging platforms, such as the Signal app, to communicate with others.

• Disable face and fingerprint recognition. Disabling both face and fingerprint recognition makes it more difficult for officers to physically force you to unlock your device with your face or fingerprint and see information about yourself, you family, and the people that you care about

• Disable location services. Airplane mode isn't enough to fully protect you from surveillance. Also turn off Bluetoooth and Wi-Fi and disable location permissions in your apps.

• Avoid using Live Social Media features. This jeopardizes your personal privacy and the privacy of people in the crowds (facial recognition for identification post-RNC).
  

(2) Know Your Rights when protesting & interaction with law enforcement (www.aclu-wi.org/kyr)

• If you're planning to protest or be out and about, create an emergency and/or jail plan

  • Memorize the phone #s of trusted friends or attorney

  • Turn off biometrics on your phone, limit photos/social media posting to protect you privacy

• Exercise your right to remain silent and ask for a lawyer

  • Say: "I do not consent to search of my person or property, "I" Am I being detained or am I free to go? "/ "I want a lawyer."

  • If you are arrested and held in jail, fill out a request for bail support from the MKE Freedom Fund at mkefreedomfund.org/protester-support, for legal representation resources or contact the National Lawyers Guild at 414-882-4NLG (414-882-4654)
    

PRACTICAL TIPS TO BE PREPARED

• Avoid major roadways, allow extra time to travel , and, depending on proximity to the event, have an in-case-of-emergency secondary location in mind. Limit travel. Stock up on supplies early.

• Stay in touch with family, friends, and neighbors and provide collective support. Utilize Black Space HQ resources for mental health & wellness (www.blackspacehq.com/)
  

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