Welcome to Protest 101

Protest 101 is a guide to assist anyone interested in organizing or participating in a safe and legal protest, march, demonstration, rally or labor action in the City of Berkeley.

During demonstrations, protest marches, public rallies or labor actions, the Berkeley Police Department is responsible for providing for the safety and security of the general public, while both monitoring and facilitating any peaceful demonstration. We facilitate the peaceful expression of First Amendment Rights, including but not limited to assembling, marching, carrying signs, making speeches, or other lawful activity designed to express or advocate political, religious, or social opinions.

While recognizing the above rights, the Berkeley Police Department will make every attempt to quickly identify and/or arrest only those specifically involved in criminal activity or violence. Citizens' rights are of the utmost importance and our goal is to ensure a safe environment for everyone involved.

To ensure that you have a safe and legal event, we recommend that organizers and attendees follow these guidelines.

What do I need to know as an organizer?

What do I need to know as a participant?

What do I need to know regarding labor actions?  

What do I need to know if I am part of the media?

Event Planning Checklist