Tag Law Enforcement

Anyone interested in becoming an active RLSH neighborhood watch patrol needs to understand that they have absolutely no rights, privileges, nor powers, over and above what every other citizen possesses.. and absolutely NO POLICE POWERS! 
This can not be emphasized enough.  Several RLSH have actually been arrested for interfering with police during the performance of their duties, or for confronting citizens in an illegal manner.  Wearing a mask and cape makes you no different than the people you seek to help.  Remember that.
Also keep in mind that criminals do not have more rights than you do, but they do have the same rights you do, and those rights have to be respected or you will open yourself up to the legal troubles of possible charges and/or litigation.
Might does not make Right.. nor does thinking you are right make you right.  You can make a difference on the streets, but not if you are no longer on the streets.  Know the law, know the consequences of your actions, and stay out of trouble.
Stay Safe
 

Okay, let’s break this down into each separate component. Some people honestly act like there is some sort of hidden clause or tricky “small print” that they have to watch out for before agreeing to these standards.
“LET IT BE KNOWN That we, the undersigned, do hereby agree and affirm:”
… If you believe in the standards, shouldn’t standing up for and endorsing them be something to be proud of?
“That Everyone has the Right to feel Safe in their own homes, and in their home communities.”
… Anyone object to this statement?
“That it is the responsibility of Concerned Citizens to help Create and Maintain Safety, and Reduce Suffering, within their home communities.”
… That is why we do what we do is it not? Because we understand that our communities need the help of everyday citizens and volunteers?
“That Concerned Citizens can Respond in a Lawful Manner to Safely, and Effectively, Reduce Violence and Criminal Activity within their communities.”
… Does anyone feel the need to break the law to make a difference? Does agreeing to obey the law make you nervous for some reason?
“That Everyone has the Right to Dignity, Respect, Fair Treatment, Safety, and Choice.”
… Any problems with this? Does anyone have a good reason everyone isn’t worthy of respect and being treated decently?
“ARTICLE ONE: ORGANIZATION – Signatories have the Right to Lawfully organize and structure themselves however they wish, free from outside interference. No rule, nor restriction, shall be made to infringe upon this Right.”
… Does anyone feel that someone else has the right to tell them how to organize their own group, or tell them what to do (as long as they aren’t breaking the law)?
“ARTICLE TWO: JURISDICTION – Signatories shall be free to operate without restriction within their home territories, provided they stay within the boundaries of the established Laws and Regulations of said territory.”
… If you’re not doing anything illegal, and aware of the local laws under which you can legally operate, is there a problem?
“ARTICLE THREE: FUNDING – Signatories shall have no responsibility for the expenses of any individual, or group, other than themselves.”
… Should any other RLSH, or group, be responsible for your expenses? If someone donates equipment to you, that’s fine, but should anyone expect other RLSH to give them free stuff and money? Hell No.
“ARTICLE FOUR: MEDIATION – Signatories shall have the Right to seek Fair Mediation in matters involving possible disputes between Signatory individuals, or groups.”
… If someone makes an accusation, someone else needs to act as a mediary to clear up the matter, otherwise we end up with more drama and bullshit backbiting. There are always trustworthy volunteers, so agreeing to this doesn’t mean you agree to “jury duty”.
“ARTICLE FIVE: LEGALITY – Signatories affirm that they are private citizens, not Law Enforcement Officers, nor do they possess any special arrest powers, and shall abide by the Laws, Rules, and Regulations of their individual home communities.”
… If someone has actual arrest powers they’re already bound by specific laws and policies. This statement is for everyone else that says they understand they’re nothing more than citizens, plain and simple.
 

What Constitutes An RLSH?

One important note to all of this, is the fact that any and all of these activities must be accomplished while obeying and working within the law.  Working outside the law, breaking the law, and the promotion of such activities, is generally accepted within the greater superhero community as falling under, “vigilantism”.  Vigilantes are criminals, no matter how they see themselves or rationalize their actions.  They see themselves as a law unto themselves, and promote their own personal brand of morality and justice as superior to the rules and restrictions of society.  Anyone in the superhero community that refers to themselves as a vigilante, is either ignorant of how the community views law breakers within the ranks, or doesn’t care what anyone thinks.  These folks usually learn better and shape up, or ship out.  The community does not look kindly upon those who’s attitudes and activities reflect poorly on the rest of us, or make us look like dangerous criminals.  More than a few vigilantes have been uncovered and turned over to the police over the years.The superhero community also has unwritten, though pretty obvious, rules of conduct.  These rules have developed over time to help reinforce the image and ideals of the superhero community.  Community members are expected to treat themselves and others with respect, and dignity.  They are also expected to carry themselves in public in a manner that  upholds the ideals of the community and does not contradict what the community stands for.  Public intoxication, arguing with police officers, urinating on the sides of buildings, shouting racist comments, and similar behaviors are clearly unacceptable.  The community does, and has, ostracized individuals who act this way.  What gives the community the right to distance themselves from these “heroes”?  The actions of an individual can, and has, affected how the public sees the rest of us.  While an individual does have the right to do what they want, they do not have the right to speak for the rest of us, making us all look like amateur morons, racists, or alcoholics.
posted by Silver Sentinel @ 6:29 AM
 

I’m sure this topic gets brought up a lot. Perhaps every RLSH who actively patrols gets asked the same thing. Whether it be by the general populace or an interviewer. It’s a perfectly understandable question too. I’m sure everyone’s reasons are different. After all, the epitome of the crime fighter, really is, a police officer. They do everything a crime fighting RLSH does: they patrol the streets, they are equipped with gear and body armor, and they look out for crime and are generally there to protect other people, complete strangers.
The biggest difference between a cop and a RLSH is though, that they get PAID. and They have benefits like life and health insurance. So if anything happens, they are taken care of. The same is not so true for costumed crime fighters. So, why wouldn’t you be a cop?
Before I continue, this is not in any way to criticize the police or try and detract from what they do at all/ Whatever you may feel for the recent actions during Occupy protests, the police, as a whole, are there for you. They keep us safe and enforce laws that usually need enforcing.
So why don’t I want to be a cop? Well, I’ve never really been interested in “law enforcement” before, i.e. writing tickets and enforcing municipal codes. I’ve been more interested in just helping people and protecting people. I’m not about writing tickets and filing paperwork.
God, I hate paperwork.
I also prefer to set my own hours, do my own thing and live by my own code of conduct (so long as that code obeys the law). I’m not really restricted by guidelines or policies. I am my own boss and can really just patrol whatever area I want, when I want. How I want. As a RLSH I am not limited to where my boss assigns me: I don’t have to be stuck behind a desk, or bumped down in rank. Office politics do not affect me. I have practically absolute freedom.
Besides, I get to wear a cool costume.
There are many benefits to be a police officer, and they do a lot of good and they help put the bad guys away, there is no denying that.
I think my personal beliefs and lifestyle choices are best reflected as the RLSH I am.
 

Many people think that I am being a stick in the mud when I talk about being sure to obey the law whenever they are on patrol. Actually I’m being extremely practical. Here is why. Every time you break a law, you run the risk of drawing negative attention to yourself. Even by walking across people’s lawns, flashing your flashlights down people’s driveways, etc, you draw attention to yourself and run the risk of someone calling in a complaint. It doesn’t matter if you are doing nothing wrong, an officer may be sent to respond. An officer will then, in most likelihood, fill out a Field Interrogation Card (or F.I. Card), and don’t forget Dispatch will also have their own notes on the encounter.
You want every contact with the authorities to be on a positive note. Having an officer fill out an FI Card means that he is making note of something suspicious.. this is not a positive thing. FI Cards are used to make note of “someone of interest” so that if later a criminal complaint is made, the police have a point to begin an investigation. If Dispatchers keep getting calls about someone looking into car windows, and walking over people’s lawns enough times, then police will eventually.. and possibly erroneously (or accurately).. attribute it to guess who.. you. They will then begin to watch you more closely, cutting you less slack each time they have to talk to you. Even officers who have not made contact with you yet will see that a number of FI Cards have been filed on you and will think, “Hmm.. other officers think there is good cause to talk to this person, so there might be reason to think they’re up to something.” Think of it this way, police officers are sharks, and having FI Cards attached to you, and special notes in your file, makes you an appealing lure. They will begin looking at you, and not the waters around you. Being a crime fighter is about helping to alleviate crime conditions, not muddy the waters.
By keeping off people’s lawns, not climbing into trees, not arousing suspicions, and obeying even the most innocuous traffic laws (avoid Jay Walking), you don’t give police a reason to stop you and speak with you. They will not have any past complaints to weigh against you. They will have no reason to be suspicious of you. And most importantly, they will not have a negative image of you when you approach them with information, meaning you will less likely get a brush off, or have an unfair accusation turn and bite you in the behind.
It doesn’t matter what your own personal philosophy on the matter of society’s rules and laws are. If you thumb your nose at them, don’t complain when you suffer the inconvenient consequences of your actions. Drawing heat down on yourself and then loudly complaining abut it is ridiculous. Nobody will listen. You brought it down on yourself.
If you go on patrol, keep your nose clean and pay attention to what you are doing.??
 

Real Life Superheroes believe in working with the police.  They work to make a positive difference in their communities.   While many RLSH actively do safety patrols and neighborhood watch activities, they do not seek to act as a police officer.  Many real life superheroes have fought crime, but only within the confines of the law.   RLSH’s report suspicious activities and crime to the police.  They act as an extra set of ears and eyes for the police.  They only intervene if necessary.
Real life superheroes are about going out to make a positive difference in their communities.  The RLSH movement is based around altruism and community service.
We do not support vigilante justice.  We do not seek to hurt or scare anyone.  We can not control everyone who throws on a mask and goes out on the streets.  If anyone goes out seeking vigilante justice or puts innocent people in danger they are not accepted here.
 

By Silver Sentinel
To become a reliable eye witness, an aspiring field operator should practice developing skills in providing quick, accurate descriptions. When attempting to describe events, vehicles, or persons, write down the details of what you have observed while they are still fresh in your mind, so your descriptions to law enforcement officials will be as accurate as possible.
When describing events, write down:
• What happened;
• When it happened;
• Where it occurred (note the nearest cross street, home address, or landmark in relationship to the event);
• Whether injuries are involved (Be prepared to report visible or suspected personal injury. Be as specific as possible – this could save a life!);
• Whether weapons are involved (this information, whether observed or suspected, is vital to responding officers).
When describing vehicles, write down:
• Vehicle license number and state, make and type of vehicle, color, and approximate age;
• Special designs or unusual features, such as vinyl top, mag wheels, body damage, pinstripes, etc.;
• Direction of travel.
In preparing descriptions of persons, it is important to write down the following:
• Sex;
• Race;
• Age;
• Height (estimated from eye contact level measured against your height);
• Weight;
• Hair (color and length);
• Hat;
• Facial Hair (beard/mustache);
• Shirt/tie;
• Coat/jacket;
• Trousers/pants/shorts;
• Shoes;
• Any peculiar or distinguishable mannerisms, physical disabilities, dis-figurations, scars or tattoos;
• Voice characteristics;
• Direction of movement.
A good article on mis-identification of suspects can be found at; “Reliable witness identification of suspects”
Try your hand at an on-line Observation Skills Test here; “Observation Skill Test Video.”
Learn how to practice Improving your Observational Skills here; “How to Increase Your Observational Skills”

By Captain Black
As a community policing advocate I occupy the No Mans Land ‘tween liberals yearning to pull every Black community combatant to their heaving bosoms while also standing athwart conservatives who reflexively assume EVERY traffic stop or officer-involved use of force involving Black subjects is justified.
I’m not a law enforcement groupie nor a cop hater. Being Black, male and a concerned citizen means falling outside time worn, narrow roles in pubic safety.
Prevention works in my view so long as you aren’t saying those who are Black and shoot/addict and otherwise negatively impact victims mostly resembling them get a pass because of assumed lower African-American social status. Building a viable Black infrastructure has to include deprogramming thug culture-abused youth alongside Black enablers of selective enforcement who act as if Rodney King’s tormenters deserve the NAACP’s Spingarn medal.
Our long discussed infrastructure has to offer a counter culture that makes popular anti-social trends like ” Stop Snitching ” and encouraging fratricide as unpopular as joining the Ku lux Klan. Our music; plays and neighborhood culture have to punish the destructive behavior that stacks causalities up like fire wood.
This reenergized internal hierarchy would also tackle what could be called the Stockholm Syndrome among Black conservatives strangely silent about big government excesses involving Black people and law enforcement. Conservative ire toward law enforcement excess shouldn’t be confined to Waco; Ruby Ridge and the New Black Panther case last presidential election.
It’s almost like a gag order exists where political excommunication is the penalty for falling on the “wrong” side of police brutality allegations for Black coservatives.
A looming Cotton Curtain exists between police and Black America, brothers particularly. These disparate elements usually converse under the worst set of circumstances: traffic stops; field interviews and arrest. Neither side wants to make the first move to initiate non-adversarial communication.
My proposed Brothers & Badges dialogue with Black men and police was greeted by my hometown’s former city manager as heresy. You’d think I was trying to host convicted child molesters at a local elementary school. Talking to Black male tax payers minus authoritarian overtones seems to terrify politicians and police executives. How’s that for a “post-racial” country? lol.
Here’s a hoot from Capt. Black’s Real Life Adventures. The scene was a police precinct. The occasion concerned a fugitive. An announcement of the suspect’s location was greeted by a skeptically asked ” Do you have a beef with him? ” from the White male officer taking the report. Just what a brother needs to stoke the flames of civic duty. What’s sadder still is buddy didn’t even realize how he’d butchered a real community policing moment with someone from the ‘hood actually trying to make his job easier.
I put that episode right up there with a Crime Stoppers program director I know who cheats Black tipsters out of rewards. Arrogance like this enforce every stereotype we have about law enforcement.
Conversely I work with brothers to replace scowls with waves as patrol cars cruise by. A simple enough act that alone won’t usher Detente but lessens mutual suspicion. Relationship building reduces confrontations-at least in theory.
My friends and I promote internal management of situations to reduce law enforcement intervention. Where a serious crime has occurred, our promotion turns toward encouraging those reluctant and/or hostile to nonetheless call 911 on behalf of an inner city that can’t afford to let serious crime go unaddressed.
Self-policing Black America means telling community liberals and conservatives that business as usual should end. Somewhere between enabling what blogger ally Constructive Feedback calls ” street pirates ” and enabling racial profiling stand an alternative where we hold serious Black criminals and law enforcement accountable.
Otherwise the crime spree on both sides of the law continues.
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT BLACK promotes crime prevention and self-development http://www.capblack.info

By Captain Black
If you think crusading out in the open against corruption is all sweetness and light, have I got a rhetorical bucket of cold water for you!
It invites any number of attempts to discredit; dismiss and/or disconnect you ( from the economy where you live ). I caution all would-be crusaders to think hard about weathering the storm when home sweet home ceases being so.
We can be full of the strength of our convictions. Our eyes firmy fixed on the prize. Neither good intention stops the opposition from slandering and even starving those labeled rabble rousers. America recognizes freedom of speech but also punishes speakers running afoul of someone’s status quo.
There is a crying need for people o speak truth to power.
Actual real life super villains often don’t have gimmicks like costumes or code names to warn the public. Lurking behind respectable masks like chamber of commerce; community leader or the titles doctor; officer; mayor; father; mother, etc. is a rogues gallery to make fiction’s top worst green with envy. Once you cross the line and become a known dissident get ready for the hatin’ to begin.
I eat hatred like candy.
Negative feedback means my job is being done and done well. The trick is possessing an invulnarable identity, i.e a sense of self no amount of criticism nor dirty tricks can penetrate. Anything less and even the most idealistic will cave in. There’s an ugly side to activism that most folks see when viewing old black and white footage of civil rights marchers being beaten by police and mobs.
Lesser known abuse impacting activists are rumor campaigns and pressure to end employment; deny new jobs; clients and even due process when law enforcement is part of the insidious act.
America and Earth desperately need many, many more crusaders. It’s only fair to be up front about crusading’s downsides as well.
NADRA ENZI AKA CAPT. BLACK is a super rights activist promoting wellness; crime prevention and self-development. http://www.captblack.info

By Thanatos
If your going to collect evidence remember, most anything you collect is not going to be admissible in any court of law. However it can be used by police to establish what is referred to as ‘probable cause to suspect a criminal activity and investigate’.
If you are going to collect evidence and want it to be useful you have to follow rules and procedure as best you can. you want to be able to prove, to the police if to no one else, that you took the correct procedure on collecting it. this allows them to be able to say that evidence was given to them by a trusted source of information. that’s you.
in another thread is a breakdown of a simple evidence collecting kit. you don’t need everything all at once to get started. read up on proper procedure, found all over the internet and apply it to what you do.

First set up a proper system of keeping track and logging the evidence. you should be able to tell police where you got it, when, how and how was it handled after collecting. being able to show pictures and logs and notes goes a long way to convincing police how professional you are trying to be. trust me, it helps.

Get a separate book to keep track of anything you collect. also keep good notes on all of your activities.

I picked a very loud cover so it wouldn’t get left out. the black envelope is what I use to transfer evidence to my police contact.
Who says we can’t do things in style and still look good?

Forum discussion: http://www.therlsh.net/the-bat-cave-f21/evidence-collection-t3003.htm