‘When freedom is outlawed, only outlaws will be free.’
― Tom Robbins, Still Life with Woodpecker
Following on from a slew of ballsy stunts that highlight inept social policies and harmful drug laws, a UK cannabis activist has recently published a guide to knowing your rights while dealing with the police.
Written and published by Outlaw, the masked activist who regularly gives out free weed to his followers (and NHS workers), Policing The Police: Your Guide To Knowing Your Rights And Receiving Police Compensation is “an essential tool for empowering the people against unlawful police.”
Available on Amazon for £5.99, the book details Outlaw’s proven strategy of tactical silence and includes a step-by-step guide on how to successfully receive compensation from the police, on your own, without going to court.
It also includes letter templates that you can use to make your own claims, as well definitions of important terminology and crucial advice on building a solid compensation claim.
Free bud
The modern-day Robin Hood first hit the press last summer, brazenly breaking UK laws by handing out free weed in the centre of Manchester. A video was uploaded showing two people dressed in black with balaclavas setting up a banner in Piccadilly Gardens.
The banner says ‘FREE BUD ‘souvenirs’’ on it, which, miraculously, draws a crowd almost immediately. The two men then start handing out small bags of cannabis to excited members of the public. About £800’s worth was given out, apparently.
Other Outlaw antics include giving out free weed to NHS workers, putting up homeless people in hotels, and giving out Christmas cards with a tenner in each to homeless people.
He also had a UK-wide smoke tour planned for summer where more free weed was going to be distributed, although it has been postponed for now due to the pandemic.
Book review
The book is short and to-the-point. It’s full of practical and clear advice about what your rights are when confronted by the police – whether you’re being questioned, detained or arrested.
For example, did you know that while the police can stop and question you at any time, legally you do not have to talk to them and can immediately leave if the police don’t have reasonable suspicion that you have committed, or are about to commit, a crime?
If they don’t have reasonable suspicion but detain you anyway, well that’s false imprisonment and you could claim compensation. And there’s plenty more of such wisdom in this book, including how to make a compensation claim without even going to court.
Overall, however, the main point I got from reading Policing The Police is that it is now more important than ever to know your rights when dealing with the police.
The police in this country are routinely questioning and detaining people in a way that is discriminatory, inefficient and unlawful. Therefore, it’s vital that we the people understand our rights and make sure the police can’t get away with pushing their weight around.
It’s time to know your stuff and start policing the police.