So, I work for a bank. Today they sent us this "Protest Safety Handbook"

arcane1

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Fri Oct-07-11 10:35 AM
Original message

So, I work for a bank. Today they sent us this "Protest Safety Handbook"

Edited on Fri Oct-07-11 10:46 AM by arcane1

I'll quote it here in its entirety, but I will omit the bank's name, and perhaps emphasize certain passages:

Recently all across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East the World has witnessed a surge in
protest marches and civil disobedience actions. The most prominent group to date in the United States
is the �Occupy Wall Street� movement. The �occupation� movement is a semi organized effort of
anonymous groups of �Anti Bank� protesters who are marching and picketing in many major U.S., cities; New York, Chicago, Denver, Washington D.C., San Francisco and Los Angeles.

In New York City, they have specifically targeted the financial district and Wall Street. The �Occupy Wall Street� movement�s groups are marching in response to their perception of corporate and banking
greed that followed the U.S. Government assisted �Big� bank bail outs. Their mantra is �We are the 99%
that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the 1%.�

The movement in New York has begun to publish a four page news paper titled �The Occupied Wall
Street Journal.� The current edition of the published document loosely outlines the group�s manifesto
and intentions. The group has indicated that they have been inspired by the results from similar groups involved in the �Arab Spring� in the Middle East. The group�s publication cites an intention to first to protest and then to march, escalating to civil disobedience when necessary.

These types of groups are reaching out to the disengaged and disenfranchised population of the United States for members, often encouraging the unemployed and homeless to join the movement. Often these marches and protests are unplanned and result from instant notification on �Social Networks� that produce �Flash Protest Mobs� in a matter of minutes. While this group has not yet resorted to violence the possibility exists that they can.

*redacted* Bank Corporate Security has worked to develop the following safety tips and suggestions for our employees should they encounter the type of activities described above.

At no time should a *redacted* Bank Employee attempt to engage or confront a protest group or stop a march. Instead, *redacted* Bank Employees encountering any such activity should immediately contact the Police.

Safety Tips
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.

***************************************************************************

I already felt like I needed another job, now I actively hate this fucking place.

***On Edit: I'm in San Francisco