How to Deal with Agent Provocateurs and Undercover Cops at Protests

[Faux pas]

http://theantimedia.org/dealing-with-undercover-cops-agent-provocateurs-protests/

(snips)
(ANTIMEDIA) For some reason the country seemed shocked when film of two officers dressed as protesters emerged showing them pointing guns at the crowd and taking protesters into custody. This isn’t uncommon. However, outing undercover cops to the crowd and causing a scene is not the best course of action.

Understanding why cops plant protesters in the crowd:

Intelligence gathering: Even though spying on peaceful protesters is a wasteful use of department resources and contrary to everything the United States stands for, it is common practice. When gathering intelligence, officers are attempting to determine exactly what the protest’s next move will be, who the leaders are, and whether or not the crowd has people prepared for violence.

Inciting criminal activities: Officers will often incite the crowd in an attempt to justify arrest and justify their surveillance and anti-terrorism budgets. They will quietly encourage protesters to break the law and then be ready to testify once those protesters are arrested for the activity they encouraged. The FBI has made a habit of this.
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More at site.

[niyad]

1. and a big wave to agent mikey!!

[Faux pas]

3. ...

to agent mikey

[bemildred]

2. Pretty much.

I don't really begrudge them being there, it's their job, but they should stay neutral, try to stay out of it.

[Faux pas]

4. Agreed!

[nilesobek]

5. Protecting the core group sometimes

involves extra measures like putting cellphones away in a basket at the front porch. I've had a decent history at "making cops," and its not very hard if you are observant. One gentleman refused to cough up his cellphone and then gave me a 20 minute dissertation as to why he didn't have to. I said,"Hey its my house, we don't allow cellphones here."

On the other hand, if they are just walk-up guys to a protest there is no way to screen them. Look for extra nice shoes and good gear. Most won't go anywhere without being strapped in some fashion. The preoccupation with the cellphone is a dead giveaway. That's their backup link. I'm not saying they should be provoked, just shunned.

[Faux pas]

6. Good stuff, thanks nilesobek!

[TheKentuckian]

7. I tend to think all the "counter intelligence" train of thought is too clever by half. Burn them,

burn for all to see and get it in the media and flood the internet.
Make those assets worthless for any and all undercover operations moving forward, perhaps certain folks will be forced to be more judicious in the use of these type of operatives.

[Faux pas]

8. I'm all for the burning, should have been

done decades ago.

[H. Cromwell]

9. I am some what confused.

"Even though spying on peaceful protesters is a wasteful use of department resources and contrary to everything the United States stands for, it is common practice....
Officers will often incite the crowd in an attempt to justify arrest and justify their surveillance and anti-terrorism budgets. They will quietly encourage protesters to break the law "...

Why would Peaceful Protesters, whose moral outrage at the injustice of whatever they are protesting cause them to protest, disregard their morals and knowingly follow the instructions of anyone choosing to break the law?
As my parents and grandparents drilled into me..."IF somebody is jumping off a bridge why would you follow them...or my grandmothers favorite.. Two wrongs don't make it right.

I agree with outing undercover cop protestors...I don't agree with peaceful protestors being 'talked' into violence.