Know Your Rights

Table of Contents

Introduction

Introduction
At DAPS, we believe that safety and dignity are the foundation of liberation. Whether you’re attending one of our events, accessing services, or simply showing up in community spaces, there are basic rights—under U.S. and Washington State law—that protect you from unlawful searches, detentions, and coercion. This guide is designed to empower you with practical know-how and unwavering support, so you can stand firm even when facing intimidation or federal overreach.

Stay informed and supported—whether you’re protesting, interacting with authorities, facing housing insecurity, or just trying to live freely. This guide gives you the tools to act with confidence—and stand together—even when it’s not just about you. Even in progressive states like Washington, injustice happens. We all have a role in fighting it.

Stand Together: Why Our Solidarity Matters

When we stand for each other—whether for Black lives, LGBTQIA+ rights, immigrant justice, unhoused neighbors, or disability access—we build power and protection for all. Oppression thrives on silence. Community defense thrives on care.

How to help:

Educate yourself and others.
Don’t stay quiet when injustice happens.
Donate, protest, record, or just don’t snitch.
Share food, ride, or shelter. It matters.

Protesting in Washington: Safety & Strategy

You have the right to protest in Washington—but that doesn’t mean you’re always safe doing it. Police violence, surveillance, and unjust arrests still happen here. Our cities use riot cops, surveillance, and force. Protesters of color are especially targeted.

Nationwide: People are being jailed and charged simply for gathering. You can help by standing together, refusing to be silent, and being prepared.

What to do:

Go with a buddy. Write legal numbers on your body.
Film abuse. Document it.
De-escalate and protect each other.
Show up even if it’s not “your” issue.

Keeping Your Phone Safe at Protests

Phones carry a lot of personal data—and police can and do access them. Even in WA, cops have pressured people into unlocking devices, and nationwide courts have upheld these actions if you use Face ID or Touch ID.

Basic protections:

Disable Face ID and fingerprint unlock—cops can force you to use them.
Use a strong passcode (not 1234 or birthdays).
Turn on airplane mode—shuts down cell and Wi-Fi tracking.
Turn off location services—especially for social apps.
Back up your data before the protest.
Use encrypted apps like Signal for protest organizing.
Silence notifications on your lock screen.

Extra cautious?

Use a burner phone.
Or just leave it home and stick with a buddy system.

You don’t need to be paranoid—just smart.

ICE & Immigration Enforcement in WA (2025 Update)

Washington is a sanctuary state—but ICE is still here. In Tacoma, one of the country’s largest private detention centers operates daily. Local cops still cooperate with ICE in practice, and activists are being deported.

Nationally, Trump’s policies have reactivated raids and silenced Congressional oversight. But we can resist.

You can:

Help people know their rights.
Do not open the door unless ICE shows a judge-signed warrant to ENTER the residence.

Record encounters. Speak up.
Protect, not report, your neighbors.

Resources:

Police Interactions: Absolutely Do Not Talk

Even in “blue” cities, police still abuse power. Black and Brown folks are over-policed in Pierce County. People get charged with resisting for just asking questions.

Nationwide, police killings continue. Qualified immunity protects bad actors. Speak up, film it, and do NOT speak to police.

Say this only:

“Am I free to go?”
“I do not consent to a search.”
“I want a lawyer.”

Don’t lie. Don’t resist. Just say nothing. Then help others by spreading these tips.

Disability Benefits & Food Assistance (WA State)

Whether you’re newly disabled, out of work, or just trying to feed your family, WA State has resources. These systems can be hard to navigate, but you’re not alone.

To apply for benefits:

Visit your local DSHS office (Department of Social and Health Services).
Apply online for food stamps (SNAP), cash aid, or medical benefits at WashingtonConnection.org.
Request a case manager to help manage your benefits and advocate for your needs.

Tips:

Bring ID, proof of income, rent receipts, and bills.
You can apply even without a fixed address—use a shelter, library, or trusted contact.

Food banks help too:

Help others by sharing this info, offering a ride to DSHS, or helping with applications.

Mental Health Rights and Response

In Washington State, having a mental health condition does not mean you lose your basic rights—but systems can still fail you.

If the police respond to a mental health crisis:

Ask for a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer. These are specially trained officers in de-escalation and crisis response.
If available, ask for a co-responder team (mental health pro + officer).
In King and Pierce Counties, Mobile Crisis Teams may be available to respond without police.

If you’re refused hospital care or taken by police:

You have a right to receive emergency medical care regardless of mental health status.
You must be informed of your legal rights if you’re involuntarily held (RCW 71.05).
You cannot be denied medical care due to mental illness alone.

Key protections:

You retain rights to refuse certain treatments, receive visitors, and access legal counsel.
You can challenge involuntary commitment.
WA law (RCW 71.05 and RCW 10.77) requires evaluations before incarceration if mental health is a concern.

Programs and Training in WA:

CIT (Crisis Intervention Teams): 40-hour training for police on de-escalation.
Mobile Crisis Teams: Direct mental health dispatch.
Mental Health First Aid for Public Safety: National training adopted in many WA counties.

Always advocate for yourself or have someone advocate with you. Ask to speak to a social worker, peer support, or crisis team.

Houselessness, Sweeps, and Your Rights

Even in cities that claim to support equity, houseless people are harassed, criminalized, and displaced. Sweeps remove people from encampments with little or no notice. Tents and belongings are often destroyed or stolen. This is state violence.

In Washington:

Seattle, Tacoma, Olympia, and Everett continue to sweep despite pushback.
Most sweeps violate Martin v. Boise if no shelter is available.

Your rights:

You do not have to move if no shelter is available.
You can record sweeps and request badge numbers.
Ask for a notice—they must post it in advance (typically 72 hours in Seattle).

What you can do:

Organize mutual aid to distribute supplies.
Show up during sweeps to witness and record.
Contact legal aid like the Seattle/King County Public Defender, Tacoma Pro Bono, or ACLU WA.

Shelter Resources:

Houselessness is not a crime. Demand housing, not handcuffs.