In this module, which consists of two parts, we will give you an overview of the observation indicators, namely the information you should consider, note and record when monitoring an assembly. You will have the opportunity to apply this knowledge to practical situations in an exercise called “interpreting what you see”, which will encourage you to think about how to interpret what you observe when monitoring assemblies on the ground.
In Module 7, you will:
- Learn what observation indicators are and why it is important for you to consider, note and record them when monitoring an assembly
- Identify the observation indicators related to the general description of the assembly, the specific elements of the assembly, and the policing of the assembly
- Recognize some of the most common types of less-lethal weapons used by law enforcement in the policing of assemblies
- Learn how to interpret what you observe on the ground during an assembly monitoring activity
Observation indicators
Meet the trainer:
Main takeaways:
- Observation indicators are pieces of information that surround assembly monitors when they observe an assembly. Monitors should consider, note and record them. They include information regarding the general description of the assembly, the specific elements of the assembly and the policing of the assembly.
- Information regarding the general description of the assembly covers aspects such as the date and time, weather, venue or route of the assembly, participants, and format of the assembly.
- Monitors should also note down specific elements of the assembly, including the composition of the crowd, the presence of organizers, stewards, spectators, medical services, other monitors and media, the key messages of the assembly, the “sight and sound” principle, clothing, the behaviour and mood of participants, as well as possible incidents and counter-demonstrations.
- Monitors should further record specific elements of the policing of the assembly, including information about the presence of police before and during various stages of the assembly, any on-spot changes or restrictions to the assembly process, police communication, traffic facilitation, use of force, police equipment, and the use of tactical options.
- Recording the observation indicators allows monitors to reconstruct how the assembly unfolded when writing an assembly monitoring form.
- Some of the most common types of less-lethal weapons used by the police include kinetic impact projectiles, water cannons, chemical irritants, acoustic devices, smoke grenades, electric shock weapons, and batons. Law enforcement might also use dogs and horses for crowd management.
Exercise: Interpreting what you see
Meet the trainer:
Main takeaways:
- During an assembly, monitors should observe police actions, record what they see and hear, and interpret such actions within the framework of the key principles for policing assemblies. They should remain vigilant and focused at all times.
- Every assembly monitored is unique. Monitors should be conscious of and focus on a number of key indicators while monitoring assemblies, such as the size and location of the assembly, the crowd composition, and the behaviour and equipment of the police as these can influence police actions.
Before moving on to the quiz, we recommend you to review the main takeaways of this module, and to check the additional resources provided under the “Materials” tab above.
Recommended resources:
● OSCE/ODIHR Handbook on Monitoring Freedom of Peaceful Assembly, Second Edition, “IV. Observation and documentation”.
● OSCE/ODIHR Guide on Law Enforcement Equipment Most Commonly Used in the Policing of Assemblies
● OHCHR Guidance on Less-Lethal Weapons in Law Enforcement
Handout:
