Alright, guys.

After bearing witness time and time again to instances where masked vigilantes have had their gear (and sometimes even their uniforms) taken away from them, observing policemen making a slew of detainments and arrests, and seeing an alarming rate of disorganization (and an absence of necessary knowledge) from latent do-gooders on the whole, I have reason to believe that a comprehensive guide for the aspiring hero is most indispensable!

Ladies and gentlemen… KNOW YOUR RIGHTS! This means being VERY aware of the laws which govern us (or don’t, as the case may be).

Fact of the matter is, most policemen are not always 100% educated on what the laws are within their jurisdiction, (particularly the more seldom dealt with) and will abuse their power by way of intimidation when the person they are harassing is even less informed than they. It is either this, or they make unintentional mistakes. I am an optimistic person, and let’s face it; we’re all only human and operate under a lot of laws which govern our lives, civilians and authorities alike. I’m inclined toward the benefit of doubt, and believe in the latter. After all, first and foremost, the police (and laws by which they function) are all purposed to protect us. That being said, IT IS OF THE UTMOST IMPORTANCE that we each know we are operating within the law. Here is just some of what we NEED to know:

[•] Are we within our rights, as pedestrians (or cyclists), to refuse presenting identification to a police officer upon request? In many states, so long as citizens follow the traffic laws and municipal or county ordinances, IF WE ARE ON FOOT, we are not required to present ID. Period. Automobile transportation is a whole ‘nother ballpark however, so those of you who wish to conceal your identity should be especially cautious. If you are obligated to present your ID enough times, while in costume, the police will eventually piece together the contexts in which you were asked to reveal personal information. This is how they clear warrants in order to look into you. They will take away all of your gear, and in some instances, your whole costume (even though taking away your costume is excessive, and at times, an abuse of power).

[•] Is it legal to wear masks out in public, in your state? Sometimes you will be confronted by police officers, as this often looks suspicious; particularly if your ‘gimmick’ is less distinguishable as a traditional comicbook-style costumed superhero. Let’s face it – some of you kinda look like bank robbers. This is a problem. Even so, you should know whether it is in your power to refuse to remove your mask. You may be detained (which they can only legally do with probable cause… like, *ahem*, if they reasonably suspect that you’re about to rob a bank).

[•] Are possession of self-defense shock devices restricted in your state? Mace, and pepper sprays? In order to possess a taser or stun gun in Illinois, for example, an individual must have a valid FOID card, as is currently required for firearms. Unfortunately, this means a masked vigilante would also be obligated to present identification if he (or she) got the card needed to legally carry such a weapon.

[•] What are the recording laws in your state? This one’s a biggie. Not only must you be wary of the laws concerning audio recordings versus video footage, but you also have to be aware of the specifics that go with it. Can you keep your recording device concealed, or must it be in plain view? Do all parties being recorded need to first, give their consent? If it’s in plain view, do they have to be made aware of it, or is it their fault for not being observant enough to notice it in your hand or resting on your belt? Sounds a bit sketchy, no? Police do not like being filmed. In the heat of the moment, they may forget themselves and try to grab at your camera or smack it out of your hands. In the instance where public filming is legal, it's best to calmly remind them to keep their hands to themselves and inform them that you are within your rights. Don't get rude or snippy with them, and don't elevate conflict.

Remember that if you’re walking down the streets, day or night, you don’t look like everyone else. People will often stop you to ask what you’re doing (pedestrian civilians and police officers alike). Sometimes, you will get to do ‘super fun things’! Such as photo ops, or interviews! Conduct yourself with a little dignity, and keep as informed as you can possibly be. When confronted about what you do, downplay the crime-fighting aspect of your patrols, and highlight your community service; your desire to help people, in general. You can work with the police and assist them in doing their jobs, as a citizen. It’s the difference in being knowledgeable and cooperative within the law. Keeping a cool (and well-informed) head can defuse uncomfortable situations where the law is concerned.

If you are a masked “hero,” not only are you a person who refuses to stand idly by while someone is in need, but you are also a symbol for your community; that they might partake in helping their fellow man just as you do, with or without a costume.


~Crimson Catalyst

Refusing to present ID to an officer of the law is just begging for trouble. My automatic response to being stopped by an officer at ANY time is to say, "I bet you'd like to see some ID. Here you go." And hand it to him.

Wearing a mask while driving a car, yours or anybody else's, makes an officer wonder what you're up to. Driving your own car, with your own plates, makes wearing a mask kinda silly; the officer can readily pull up who the car is registered to. So he's going to wonder why, if he can see who the owner is, why are you hiding yourself from him?

Trying to conceal your identity, or your presence, from an officer of the law, will make them think about taking you in. I don't know about you, but I can't afford that, money-wise, publicity-wise, time-wise, or job-wise. Be a FRIEND to the law if at all possible.

Please try not to take my words out of context. Detainment simply means that you are to be held back, so the police can question you as per the political sensitivity with regard to what it is you are doing, or to gauge whether you are a danger to yourself or those around you. This does not usually mean they will be physically taking you in for questioning; simply that you are to remain in that one place where you were spotted, conducting your patrol.

From there, you will only be conversing with them to their satisfaction, and that is when you are to be cooperative; when they ask you questions about what you're doing, what you're all about, whom you travel with, what you carry with you on your person, etc. Simple questions; simple answers. I speak from personal experience, of which I don't need to go into detail. In the end, it's all a matter of how you present yourself.

One personal aspect I will share, however, is that I generally like the police. As I've said, they are there to protect you. A good policeman is one who cares about their community, and the people in it. It's not difficult to answer their questions to their satisfaction, and such line of questioning should not take longer than half an hour at most. After a mutual understanding is met, they send you on your way with no hard feelings. That's really all there is to it.

I'd like to add a little from a completely different perspective -- not what you're allowed to do, or what rights you have, but if your main goal is to never get arrested or detained.

What they teach "professionally" boils down to "be boring and cooperative."

Also something I've found useful is the moment you see a cop on the street walk straight to him and ask for directions to somewhere -- it switches his mental mode around or something. Do this *especially* if you think he's following you.

Never look panicked or afraid to see a cop -- look bored or glad.

Of course depending on what you're wearing your mileage may vary. If you're wearing something you wouldn't want a cop to see you wearing, though, maybe don't go outside.

Just my opinions and such.

That's actually a very good approach, E0N. I would even take it a step further, as was suggested to me the other day by Patchwork, and actively make contact via phone or internet with the police in different districts where you will be conducting costumed patrols (or, friendly neighborhood watch, if you want to use different words). I thought this was a very good idea as well. That way, they've already been informed even after having come into physical contact with you. You can go about your business of helping people in need, and calling for police interference if ever there is a situation where you bare witness to a crime taking place. Granted, your best judgment would dictate whether or not you would get involved before they were able to arrive on the scene.

Carry a colorful sign that says "SuperSam's Pizza House." When you see a cop coming, start dancing and twirling it around.

COP: What are you doing?

YOU: I'm advertising a new pizza place down at 13th and Beach.

COP: At 3:25 am?

YOU: Yep, the first 24hour sit-down pizza joint. Should take off pretty well, it's between a medical marijuana establishment and a frat house.

All said, cops are our friends. Freinds that could put us, colorful tights and all, in a cold cell with the dregs of society for the night. So behave.

Offer to help them at different events where they may be running booths at festivals in or out of their unifroms See if you can help out shoveling their driveways at home If there is graffitti around the station offer to help clean it up Sit at the next table from them while in the coffee shop and see if there may be a chance to strike up a conversation with them Pose for pics with them and their families Attend Neighbourhood watch meetings with them and ask questions

among my new team, crimson included, we have encountered a need for a liaison with the police. currently im busy setting that up

when stopped, or approached by the police here I explain who and what I am to them. if they ask for my id I give it. we are on the same side so I have no problem with that. I chat with them, when I can, and offer to trade one of my tading cards for one of theirs. (the police have trading cards up here) I've had my picture taken with several of them with cell phones. so far I havent been asked to remove my mask and their usally on the way in a minute or two. no big del or hassle.

the are not stupid and they understand what I am doing as I explain about what a rlsh is and the reason for the costume. I even give them my story about picking my character and they get it. they understand costumed activision and getting involved.

by being friendly you difuse the situation and waving to them when you see them, or just tipping your hat shows them you see them and are not hiding.

my biggest problem up here is that now they know about me most just wave back and dont stop for me. sometimes a problem if I just want to talk to them about something.

you get farther and build a better relationship this way than trying to be mysterious like in the comics.

thantos the problem came when the police illegally confiscated6 one of our members gimmicks

No police officer should ever question you for thirty minutes when it's a stop and identify. That's an interrogation.

Patchwork: What was taken, and under what circumstances? Why do you feel it was illegal?

ok his gear and outfit was taken. the grounds were that he showed his id to a police officer while on patrol ((not sure if that can be called grounds))

they then presented a permit to search for contraband and illegal weapons. they then took his entire gimmick and gear, none of witch are illegal weapons or contraband

what made them decide to take his stuff but not anybody elses?

Is there any way he can get it back? If they took my gimmik they know that Ill only make another one to replace it

why did they have a search warrent? was it for him personally or for your group?

no clue why him. for him personally, he is often out alone. we suspect his father had something to do with it. all in all its just a bad situation

Was this member under 18? If so, then insisting that the police had no grounds for confiscation may be erroneous. Especially if it was at the father's insistence. More especially if he is out against his father's wishes and if his father is legal guardian.

this sounds a bit more complicated than just a routine stop. does your friend have any idea why this took place?

he is over 18. he has no idea. no charges or complaints were filed against him.