Skip to content
FedWatch

Safety Checklist

Safety Checklist

Section titled “Safety Checklist”

Use this checklist before, during, and after rapid response activities.

Before Responding

Section titled “Before Responding”

Personal Preparation

Section titled “Personal Preparation”
  • Phone fully charged
  • Backup battery available
  • Enough storage for video
  • Signal installed and logged in
  • Emergency contacts saved
  • Know Your Rights card in wallet
  • ID (if you choose to carry one)
  • Cash (small bills)
  • Water
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Phone Security

Section titled “Phone Security”
  • Lock screen with PIN (not biometrics)
  • Notifications hidden on lock screen
  • Location services off (or only for necessary apps)
  • Auto-lock enabled (1-2 minutes)
  • Know how to quickly lock phone
  • Cloud backup configured (if safe for you)

Knowledge Preparation

Section titled “Knowledge Preparation”
  • Know the location you’re responding to
  • Know the area (streets, exits, landmarks)
  • Know your role
  • Know who’s on the admin team
  • Know the communication channels
  • Review rights and protocols

Tell Someone

Section titled “Tell Someone”
  • Trusted person knows where you’re going
  • Estimated time you’ll be out
  • Plan to check in regularly
  • What to do if you don’t check in

During Response

Section titled “During Response”

Arrival

Section titled “Arrival”
  • Assess the scene before approaching
  • Identify exits
  • Note potential hazards
  • Position yourself in a safe spot
  • Check in with admin/team

Continuous Safety

Section titled “Continuous Safety”
  • Run SAFER regularly
  • Maintain safe distance
  • Stay aware of your surroundings
  • Note changes in the situation
  • Know when it’s time to leave

Communication

Section titled “Communication”
  • Keep phone accessible
  • Respond to admin messages promptly
  • Send updates on changes
  • Alert team if you feel unsafe

Recording

Section titled “Recording”
  • Phone storage sufficient
  • Recording from safe distance
  • Aware of your positioning
  • Not interfering with enforcement
  • Aware of who’s in frame

If Approached by Agents

Section titled “If Approached by Agents”
  • Stay calm
  • Keep hands visible
  • Know your rights phrases
  • Don’t run
  • Don’t argue
  • Know when to leave

Leaving the Scene

Section titled “Leaving the Scene”

When to Leave

Section titled “When to Leave”
  • Situation resolved
  • Your safety is compromised
  • Admin tells you to leave
  • You’ve been on scene too long (fatigue)
  • You need to leave for any reason

How to Leave

Section titled “How to Leave”
  • Notify admin/team
  • Leave calmly (don’t run)
  • Use planned exit route
  • Maintain awareness while leaving
  • Confirm you’ve left safely

After Response

Section titled “After Response”

Immediate

Section titled “Immediate”
  • Confirm you’re safe
  • Check in with admin
  • Back up any recordings
  • Note anything you might forget

Documentation

Section titled “Documentation”
  • Save original files (don’t edit)
  • Note filenames and times
  • Share via secure channel if requested
  • Store in encrypted location

Debrief

Section titled “Debrief”
  • Share observations with team
  • Note what worked well
  • Note what could improve
  • Ask questions if you have them

Self-Care

Section titled “Self-Care”
  • Take time to decompress
  • Drink water, eat something
  • Talk to someone if needed
  • Recognize your contribution
  • Rest before next response

Go-Bag Checklist

Section titled “Go-Bag Checklist”

Keep a bag ready with:

Essentials

Section titled “Essentials”
  • Phone charger / backup battery
  • Water bottle
  • Snacks (protein bars, etc.)
  • Cash ($20-40 in small bills)
  • Know Your Rights card
  • Emergency contacts written down

Documentation

Section titled “Documentation”
  • Notebook and pen
  • Second phone if available
  • Extra storage (SD card)

Comfort

Section titled “Comfort”
  • Sunglasses
  • Hat
  • Rain jacket (if applicable)
  • Hand warmers (if cold)
  • Sunscreen

Medical

Section titled “Medical”
  • Any personal medications
  • Basic first aid
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Tissues

Safety Red Flags

Section titled “Safety Red Flags”

Leave immediately if:

  • Weapons are drawn
  • Physical violence is occurring
  • You’re directly threatened
  • Crowd is becoming dangerous
  • Your instincts say “go”

Emergency Protocols

Section titled “Emergency Protocols”

If You’re Detained

Section titled “If You’re Detained”
  1. Stay calm
  2. Exercise right to remain silent
  3. Do not consent to searches
  4. Request a lawyer
  5. Do not sign anything
  6. Memorize badge numbers if possible
  7. Contact your emergency person when able

If You’re Injured

Section titled “If You’re Injured”
  1. Get to safety first
  2. Call for help
  3. Seek medical attention
  4. Document injuries (photos)
  5. Report to admin when able

If You Lose Communication

Section titled “If You Lose Communication”
  1. Follow last instructions
  2. Default to observing and leaving
  3. Go to planned meetup point
  4. Try to restore communication
  5. Leave area if unsafe

If a Team Member Goes Silent

Section titled “If a Team Member Goes Silent”
  1. Try to reach them
  2. Alert admin immediately
  3. Check last known location if safe
  4. Follow admin instructions
  5. Don’t put yourself at risk

Quick Reference Card

Section titled “Quick Reference Card”

Before leaving: ✅ Phone charged ✅ Signal ready ✅ Know the area ✅ Tell someone

On scene: ✅ SAFER awareness ✅ Safe distance ✅ Know exits ✅ Stay in contact

Red flags (leave now): 🚨 Weapons drawn 🚨 Violence occurring 🚨 Direct threat to you 🚨 Gut says go