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After SALUTE Protocol

After SALUTE Protocol

Section titled “After SALUTE Protocol”

You’ve submitted your SALUTE report. Now what? This guide covers the critical steps after your initial observation.

Immediate Actions

Section titled “Immediate Actions”

1. Await Instructions

Section titled “1. Await Instructions”

After submitting your SALUTE report:

  • Stay available for follow-up questions
  • Keep your phone accessible
  • Don’t leave the area unless unsafe

2. Continue Observing

Section titled “2. Continue Observing”
  • Note any changes in the situation
  • Watch for new vehicles or agents arriving
  • Track if agents are moving or stationary
  • Observe any interactions with community members

3. Stay Safe

Section titled “3. Stay Safe”
  • Maintain safe distance
  • Don’t engage agents
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Have an exit route planned

What Admin/Verifier Will Do

Section titled “What Admin/Verifier Will Do”

Review Your Report

Section titled “Review Your Report”

They’ll assess:

  • Completeness of information
  • Location accuracy
  • Threat level
  • Whether to broadcast

May Ask Follow-up Questions

Section titled “May Ask Follow-up Questions”

Be prepared to clarify:

  • “Can you be more specific about the location?”
  • “How many agents did you count?”
  • “Are they actively detaining someone?”
  • “Which direction were they heading?”

Dispatch Additional Resources

Section titled “Dispatch Additional Resources”

They may:

  • Send a verifier to your location
  • Alert other patrol members
  • Coordinate response team
  • Contact legal observers

Ongoing Monitoring

Section titled “Ongoing Monitoring”

Update as Things Change

Section titled “Update as Things Change”

If Situation Escalates:

UPDATE: Now 4 vehicles. Agents approaching building.

If Situation De-escalates:

UPDATE: 1 vehicle left. 2 agents remain.

If They Leave:

UPDATE: All vehicles departed. Heading east on Main St.

What to Report in Updates

Section titled “What to Report in Updates”
  • Changes in numbers (vehicles, agents)
  • Movement or direction of travel
  • Any enforcement actions observed
  • Arrival of other agencies (police, ambulance)

If You Witness an Arrest/Detention

Section titled “If You Witness an Arrest/Detention”

Document Without Interfering

Section titled “Document Without Interfering”
  • Note exact time
  • Count individuals detained
  • Note if families are separated
  • Observe if rights appear to be violated

Report Immediately

Section titled “Report Immediately”
DETENTION OBSERVED:
1 individual in handcuffs
Time: 10:47 AM
Location: 123 Main St entrance
Being placed in unmarked white van
Section titled “Legal Observer Guidelines”

If you’re trained as a legal observer:

  • Keep recording if safe
  • Note badge numbers if visible
  • Document any use of force
  • Record any statements made

Communication Protocol

Section titled “Communication Protocol”

Stay on Signal

Section titled “Stay on Signal”
  • Keep the app open
  • Respond promptly to admin messages
  • Don’t switch to phone calls unless requested

Keep Messages Concise

Section titled “Keep Messages Concise”

Good: “Update: 3rd vehicle arrived, blocking alley” Bad: “Oh wow I think I see another car pulling up, it might be with them, let me watch for a minute…”

Use Standard Format

Section titled “Use Standard Format”
UPDATE [TIME]: [WHAT CHANGED]
Location: [IF MOVED]

When to Leave

Section titled “When to Leave”

It’s Time to Leave If:

Section titled “It’s Time to Leave If:”
  • Situation is resolved (all clear)
  • You’re relieved by another observer
  • Admin tells you to stand down
  • Your safety is compromised
  • You’ve been there 2+ hours (fatigue affects judgment)

Before Leaving

Section titled “Before Leaving”
  1. Report that you’re leaving
  2. Note final status of the situation
  3. Provide any last observations
  4. Confirm someone else is monitoring (if ongoing)

If You Must Leave Urgently

Section titled “If You Must Leave Urgently”
"Have to leave - [reason]. Last status: [brief update]. Need replacement."

Post-Incident

Section titled “Post-Incident”

Debrief

Section titled “Debrief”

After the situation resolves:

  • Share any additional details you remember
  • Note things you wish you’d observed
  • Discuss what worked and what didn’t
  • Ask questions about the response

Self-Care

Section titled “Self-Care”

This work can be stressful:

  • Take time to decompress
  • Talk to someone if needed
  • It’s okay to take breaks
  • Recognize your contribution

Documentation

Section titled “Documentation”
  • Save any photos/videos securely
  • Write down additional details while fresh
  • Note anything unusual for future reference

Common Questions

Section titled “Common Questions”

”What if I can’t stay?”

Section titled “”What if I can’t stay?””

Let admin know immediately. They’ll find someone to take over monitoring if needed.

”What if I made a mistake in my report?”

Section titled “”What if I made a mistake in my report?””

Send a correction immediately:

CORRECTION: Earlier reported 3 agents, actually 4.
Missed one in vehicle.

“What if they approach me?”

Section titled ““What if they approach me?””
  • You have the right to observe from public space
  • You have the right to remain silent
  • State “I do not consent to a search” if asked
  • Do not lie or provide false information
  • Leave if you feel unsafe

”What if community members approach me?”

Section titled “”What if community members approach me?””
  • Be calm and reassuring
  • Share only basic safety information
  • Don’t make promises about what will happen
  • Direct them to Know Your Rights resources
  • Respect their privacy

Quick Reference Card

Section titled “Quick Reference Card”

After SALUTE submission:

  1. ✅ Await instructions
  2. ✅ Continue observing
  3. ✅ Send updates as things change
  4. ✅ Stay safe
  5. ✅ Keep messages concise
  6. ✅ Leave when told or when unsafe
  7. ✅ Debrief after