[Cc-webedit] need to put link to legal info on front page if possible

[Kate]

HI, the legal team here is just getting utterly swamped with 'i was beaten
up by the police what are you going to do about it' emails. We're worried
that 1) we're spending all our time sending out the same info again and
again, 2) because of this we're getting slow and not dealing with the rest
of it quickly enough.
We would REALLY :-)  like a thing at the bottom of the front page of the
Camp website with our new super-duper what -to-do instructions!

suggest:

The Legal Team has released instructions about what to do if you were
affected by the police actions at the camp.  CLICK HERE

<then link to this text (or keep it on front page):>

First, thank you for all the emails.  We are reading them all but not
acknowledging them at the moment due to the quantity.  Our apologies.  For
the time being, if you would like us to respond – please send us another
email requesting a response.



HOW THE POST-PROTEST LEGAL PROCESS WORKS:



Lots of people are writing to us with evidence of police misbehavior and
there certainly seems to be grounds for complaint in many of them. However,
crucially complaints and legal claims need to be brought by individuals: we
can’t do it on your behalf.



What we are doing is:



1.  We are making sure we have the evidence available to us sorted so we can
locate supporting evidence for those arrested or those who bring complaints
of assault and so forth against the police.

2.  We are exploring whether there is a legal challenge strategically worth
bringing this time. If so, we will be looking for potential litigants.

3.  We are preparing a report and film on the Camp and may be in contact
with some of you to use your statements.  We  have made no decision as to
what we will do with the report at this point.

4.  We have a particular interest in how those with injuries or illnesses
were treated by the police – so if you have relevant evidence there please
let us know. Depending on the evidence, we may focus on this as an area of
concern.



What you can do:



If you were wrongfully arrested, or assaulted and injured by a police
officer, you  may be able to bring a case against the police.  Please
contact Bindmans in the first instance.  If they do not have the capacity
then we can recommend other firms of solicitors who have worked with
activists in the past.  We may have supporting evidence so let us know if we
can help.  Please keep us informed of the outcomes.



If you were arrested and charged, let us know as we may have supporting
evidence that may help with your defense.  You will need to give your
solicitor your consent to them talking to us or they will not be able to
tell us about your case.  Please keep us informed of the outcome.


If you witnessed a wrongful arrest or assault, you should make a detailed
statement and send it to us. Please make it clear where and when and what
happened so we can find it if someone asks about it.



Making a Complaint:



1.  Complain to the police –
http://www.ipcc.gov.uk/index/complaints/forms.htm - about an individual
police officer or the policing generally.  You will need to give your
contact details and they will want to interview.  Don’t hold your breath for
a positive outcome but don’t let this put you off.  The more complaints, the
more people on the Metropolitan Police Authority may be able take up some of
the issues.



2.  And write to your MP* *(let them know you have complained – you could
send them a copy) - www.writetothem.com. Encourage them to write to the Home
Office for an explanation. And invite them to the next camp.



3.  And tell everyone you know.



Please keep reading the legal updates as our recommendations and requests
may change, especially once we have more information on what charges people
are facing.



Meanwhile write up anything relevant now and email us, let us know if you
have footage and we will send you some information on how to share it with
us, keep copies of any original notes, photos and film (and keep them for 12
months).




Legal Support Team - legal at climatecamp.org.uk
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