If your organization is planning a protest, demonstration, rally or other type of free speech event, in or around Salt Lake County, you may request ACLU of Utah legal observers to witness and document interactions between event participants and law enforcement officers. It is important to note that our legal observers will not intervene in the event of law enforcement misconduct or civil rights violations, but will document such misconduct for later review and possible action.
Request ACLU Legal Observers
We sometimes get more requests then we are able to accommodate, but if you give us at least three weeks notice it will help us to mobilize members of our volunteer legal observer team for your event.
Legal Observers act as visible witnesses at demonstrations and events, documenting any incidents of police misconduct or violations of constitutional rights. Legal Observers are committed to defending free speech as objectively as possible. They do not interfere with or stop law enforcement action. Legal Observers may be called to testify if a court hearing results from any actions at an event.
Legal Observers do not offer any legal advice to participants in rallies, protests, acts of civil disobedience, or other such events. They act as impartial witnesses only; they may take notes, photographs and make video recordings. The mere presence of such visible witnesses can deter civil liberties violations.
Request ACLU Legal Observers for your event: Online Legal Observer Request Form
ACLU of Utah Resource: Your Right to Protest and Engage in Other Free Speech Activities in Utah
Other: ACLU Know Your Rights guides