My employer has again released a "Protest Safety Handbook" for all employees, updated to 2014

[arcane1]

Wherein it says:

When encountering a protest group or march, every effort should be made to avoid the group. Consider using an alternate exit or route.

• Be aware of your surroundings and the people around you at all times.
• If you feel uncomfortable, immediately move or leave the area.
• If surrounded in a protest march or mob don’t panic move to the outside of the crowd as safely as possible.
• Seek refuge in an unaffected business or restaurant until police arrive.
• Plan before you go. Choose the safest route.
• Avoid poorly lit areas and isolated locations that may make you vulnerable to an attack.
• Keep the cars doors locked while driving in the area of a mob or protest march.
• Project an image of confidence and strength. Walk with a purpose and avoid hesitation, keep your head up, shoulders back and make eye contact with people you pass.
• Avoid confrontation and unnecessary contact with protesters.
• Avoid walking or driving alone. There is safety in numbers.
• Carry purses close to the body.
• Wallets and cash are best kept in a front pocket.
• Avoid wearing Bank ID or logo items outside the bank if possible.
• Keep your cell phone charged and close at hand.
• Have emergency contact information pre-programmed into your phone.
• Have your keys out and ready before you need them.
• If you feel that you’re in danger or if you observe suspicious or illegal activities, call the police or dial 911.
• If confronted or attacked, try to remain calm and cooperate by following the attacker’s instructions.
• Do not attempt to reason or argue with the protesters.
• Cooperate and do not risk your personal safety.
• Be a good witness and try to remember as many details of what occurred as you can




Got their finger on the pulse of society, don't they? Are these instructions for dealing with a protest, or for walking in a bad neighborhood?

[MadDAsHell]

1. What's a "bad neighborhood"? nt

[arcane1]

2. High crime rate, etc.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

3. I am puzzled.

Do you not approve of these guidelines?

Seems to me that they are very sensible.

[arcane1]

4. Protests in SF are always so happy and peaceful, I guess, so it seems odd

So many of the points seems to be about being afraid of protesters, when here you're more likely to get glitter pured on you than you are to be attacked or assaulted.

[CaliforniaPeggy]

5. Oh, OK, I get it.

But you agree, I suspect, that SF is a most unusual city. A lot of highly educated and progressive folks live and work there. Other cities aren't so lucky.

[arcane1]

6. Agreed!