III. PROTECTION FORMATION

Encircling And Removing Threats (Earth)

This formation is a tertiary formation that only makes itself known when necessary. They will be responsible for encircling threats, and either gently removing them from our midst, or preventing them from causing instigation, damage, and escalation of force.

The ground beneath our feet is an immutable presence. It is rarely noticed for its very presence while walked upon unless it makes itself known. As gently rolling hills give way to vast plains, as mountains crack and caress the sky, the earth we stand upon has a character of permanence that is hard to step around. However, as a mudslide can come suddenly, sweeping aside all in its path, so shall the defenders of peace that stand sentinel in case of aggression.

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This formation's only directive is to follow up on observed aggression in order to defuse situations that arise in the protest, or outside of the main protest body at the discretion of the leadership corps. Until their services are needed, they will be a presence in the main formation, participating in the protest, listening to speakers, and maintaining an alert nature in case any escalation is detected in the main protest body.

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All threats to the peaceful nature of our demonstration will be handled in as immediate a fashion as possible. Our methodology will be one of non-aggression and suppression, instead of meeting aggression with anger and complimentary violence.

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The method will be one of teamwork, requiring a coordinated effort of everyone who adopts this role. Below I will list the steps necessary to maintain both safety and peace in our continued struggle for equity.

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1- Discover acts of aggression:

Our observers' reports of aggression outside of our main protest formation will be taken seriously, and direction towards them will be given by the leadership corps. Acts of aggression that make themselves known inside the main protest formation will be observed internally and immediately handled.

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2- Encircle aggressors

Our protection corps will surround any aggressors bodily (while maintaining a safe enough distance so as not to provoke or begin a melee) and slowly begin walking them away from the protest. If the aggressor refuses to leave, they will continue to be surrounded until our leadership can communicate their presence and intent to present LEOs (law enforcement officers) for removal from our midst.

3- Ensure separation

All of those involved with removing an aggressor will remain on the exterior line of the protest until the agitating force removes itself from line of sight. At this point, they will return to their primary function of maintaining the protest, and observing for additional threats.

Following any removal of aggression, a report will be made to leadership detailing such, so that communication with local law enforcement can be made in such a way as to prevent any escalating response upon our main protest body at the fault of outside instigation.