Instructions
This form helps us understand the experiences of people who attended protests, marches, rallies, vigils, and other First Amendment activities. Your responses help identify patterns in law enforcement presence, protest conditions, and participant experiences.
Most people need about 5–10 minutes.
Before You Begin
- Complete this form based on your own observations and experiences.
- If you witnessed something happen to another person, you may report what you personally observed.
- If you are unsure about an answer, select “Unsure” when available.
- Approximate times, locations, and estimates are acceptable.
- You do not need to know the exact names of police units to complete the form.
Photos and Videos
- You can upload photos that help show what happened. Face detection and blurring happen on your device before the photo is uploaded. Hidden file information is removed, and your original photo is never uploaded or saved by us. We keep only the protected copy.
- Uploading photos is optional.
- Videos can't be uploaded. If you'd like to share videos, or send photos by email instead, you can tell us at the end of the form.
Definitions
Kettling
Encircling protesters by enclosing or surrounding them within a confined area, limiting their ability to leave.
Dispersal Order
An order issued by law enforcement directing participants to leave an area or end a protest activity.
NYPD Community Affairs (CAB)
Officers assigned to Community Affairs units who often communicate with protest organizers and participants during demonstrations.
Strategic Response Group (SRG)
Specialized NYPD units frequently deployed at demonstrations, large gatherings, and other public events.
Privacy Notice
We do not ask for your name, and contact information is optional. If you give it, we will use it only to follow up about your protest experience. Submitting this form is not a request for legal advice, and we cannot guarantee the confidentiality of what you share. Please do not include details that could identify you or others if that could put anyone at risk.