How to stay safe at protests: tips from Macomb police chief

KHQA — The "No Kings" protests are planned nationwide this weekend, including Macomb, Illinois; Keokuk, Iowa; and Kirksville, Missouri.

"The City of Macomb and our police department embrace the 1st amendment and people's willingness to peacefully demonstrate and gather and share ideas," said Macomb Police Chief Jess Hamer.

He provided the following tips for staying safe at a protest:

- Stay out of roadways because that's illegal.

- Sidewalks can be used, but you should stay six to eight feet away from the road to be a safe distance from motorists.

- Stay peaceful, don't destroy property or throw things.

"I don't want any protestors or demonstrators hurt. I don't want any property damaged. And at the end of the day, it is an American right to gather and peacefully protest," said Hamer.

If you live near the location where a protest will take place, he says you can stay safe by:

- Locking your car doors and home doors,

- Keeping surveillance cameras charged,

- Staying aware of the protest in case it gets violent.

"Things to look out for would be, you know, if items or property are being thrown, pushing, shoving, that stuff should warrant a 911 call," said Hamer.

Hamer says there will be a police presence at the Macomb protest, but from a safe distance away, so it will not cause unintentional intimidation, but just to make sure it stays peaceful and keep the community safe.

"I do worry about out-of-town agitators who want to co-op the message if you will and turn it violent...When you're protesting, you're sparking some emotion and some thought, and sometimes that rubs people the wrong way," said Hamer.

Hamer said the best thing for staying safe is to be aware and "keep common sense in mind."

"When you see items being broken or thrown, it's probably time to get your loved ones out of there and live to demonstrate another day," said Hamer.