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New Jersey reporters' guide to protest coverage and journalist safety
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New Jersey reporters' guide to protest coverage and journalist safety

This guide was compiled by the Center for Cooperative Media at Montclair State University to support journalists in New Jersey covering protests and civil unrest.

Introduction

Covering protests has become more difficult and dangerous across America in recent years. In September 2025, a journalist in Chicago reported being shot by a pepper ball by authorities, and others were injured covering protests regarding ICE detentions. Reporters elsewhere have been injured or arrested, including Emmy-winning journalist Mario Guevara in Atlanta and reporters as well as freelancers for the AP and other news organizations in New York.


The Freedom of the Press Foundation, which maintains a database of these kinds of incidents, has tallied more than 1,500 assaults, arrests, and other legal actions against reporters in the United States this year alone.


To assist journalists in New Jersey as part of its content-sharing network, the Center for Cooperative at Montclair State University has compiled the following reporting guide with resources for safety and covering protests.


As you prepare to cover protests, leading journalism organizations offer valuable tipsheets, recommendations, and guidance on how to stay safe and still get the story.


To save you time, here is a condensed list of best practices from the Committee to Protect Journalists, the Reporters’ Committee for Freedom of the Press, the National Press Club’s Journalism Institute, the Freedom of the Press Foundation, Poynter, and others. The information below is condensed and synthesized from these organizations and supplemented by the Center's recommendations.


ℹ️ This guide is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Journalists facing legal issues should consult with an attorney. In emergencies, call 911 or contact the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press legal hotline at 1-800-336-4243.

NJ-specific protections

New Jersey has several strong protections for journalists that you should know about when covering protests:

Attorney General guidance on press and police interactions (2021)

Following journalist arrests during the 2020 protests, New Jersey Attorney General Gurbir Grewal issued comprehensive guidance to all law enforcement agencies in the state regarding interactions with the press at protests. Key provisions include:


Curfew exemptions:

  • Many municipalities in New Jersey that impose curfews during protests explicitly exempt credentialed media.
  • Law enforcement officers are directed to be aware of such exemptions.
  • Despite the Asbury Park incident in 2020, the guidance reinforces that journalists should not be arrested for curfew violations when exemptions exist.

Pre-event coordination:

  • Law enforcement agencies should maintain open lines of communication with the press prior to protests.
  • Agencies should designate a lead liaison for media inquiries before and during events.

Visible press identification:

  • The guidance recommends journalists wear clearly visible identification.
  • Specifically mentions identification cards issued by the New Jersey Press Association and the New Jersey Society of Professional Journalists.
  • Suggests brightly colored, reflective, double-sided press identification cards worn around the neck, or neon-colored/reflective vests.

Law enforcement restraint:

  • Officers are directed to exercise discretion in enforcing minor violations when First Amendment activity is implicated.
  • Technical violations that aren't disruptive, dangerous, or violent should generally not result in arrest.
  • Law enforcement must remain content-neutral and cannot take action based on a journalist's perceived sympathies.

Protection of equipment:

The guidance explicitly states that law enforcement should "never seize a press member's camera, cell phone, notes or other journalistic work product or documentary material, except in the exceedingly rare case where it is necessary for public safety or the result of a search incident to a lawful arrest."


Right to record:

  • New Jersey recognizes that federal and state courts have held the First Amendment protects the right of press and public to record police performing official duties in public.
  • This right is subject to reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions but cannot be motivated by a desire to avoid having police activity filmed.

Important case history: Asbury Park Press arrest (2020)

In June 2020, Asbury Park Press journalist Gustavo Martínez Contreras was arrested while covering protests despite the city's curfew explicitly exempting credentialed media. This incident led to:

  • A federal lawsuit claiming First Amendment violations.
  • State Attorney General Grewal's commitment to "figure out why this happened and make sure it doesn't happen again."
  • The creation of the 2021 Attorney General guidance on press and police interactions
  • A working group to ensure reporters' safety at future protests.

Key lesson: Even with explicit exemptions, wrongful arrests can happen. Always:

  • Clearly identify yourself as press multiple times
  • Keep press credentials visible
  • Document everything, including your arrest if it occurs
  • Have emergency legal contact numbers readily available

New Jersey Shield Law (one of the strongest in the nation)

New Jersey has one of the most robust shield laws in the United States (N.J. Stat. §§ 2A:84A-21 to 21.8), which protects journalists from being forced to reveal sources and other newsgathering materials. Learn more about the New Jersey Shield Law from the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press.


Who is protected:

  • The law broadly protects anyone "engaged on, engaged in, connected with, or employed by news media" for the purpose of gathering and disseminating news.
  • This includes traditional journalists, freelancers, bloggers, and online publishers.
  • You don't need traditional press credentials or affiliation with a major news organization.
  • The New Jersey Supreme Court has ruled that the law is not limited to professional journalists who follow certain norms.

What is protected:

  • Sources (both confidential and non-confidential)
  • Information that could identify sources
  • Unpublished notes, recordings, and other work product
  • Materials gathered during newsgathering

Level of protection:

  • Absolute protection in civil cases: If information is sought in a civil lawsuit, the shield law provides absolute protection that cannot be overcome.
  • Qualified protection in criminal cases: If information is sought in a criminal case, there is a qualified privilege, but courts can override it in limited circumstances.

Important note: The shield law protects you from being forced to reveal information in legal proceedings, but it does not protect you from arrest for violating generally applicable laws while gathering news.

Anti-SLAPP law (2023)

In 2023, Governor Murphy signed a bipartisan anti-SLAPP (Strategic Lawsuit Against Public Participation) law that protects journalists and news organizations from meritless lawsuits designed to intimidate or silence reporting:

  • Allows journalists to quickly dismiss baseless defamation lawsuits from powerful parties.
  • Protects reporting on matters of public interest.
  • Helps prevent costly legal proceedings meant to chill journalism.
  • The New Jersey Press Association strongly supported this legislation.

Privacy Protection Act protections

Federal law (Privacy Protection Act of 1980) provides additional protection in New Jersey:

  • Protects against searches and seizures of journalistic materials during criminal investigations.
  • Police generally need a warrant to search or seize your materials.
  • Additional protections for work product and documentary materials.

Know who to contact in New Jersey


New Jersey Press Association

  • Website: njpa.org
  • Provides press credentials recognized by law enforcement
  • Legal hotline and resources for member journalists

ACLU of New Jersey


New Jersey Attorney General's Office

  • Website: nj.gov/oag
  • Can address systemic issues with law enforcement
  • Contact through official channels if you experience violations of the AG guidance

What this means for you

When covering protests in New Jersey, you have:

  • Stronger shield law protections than in most states
  • State-level guidance directing police to accommodate press
  • Specific recognition of curfew exemptions for media
  • Anti-SLAPP protections against retaliatory lawsuits
  • Clear precedent from the Asbury Park case that wrongful arrest of journalists is unacceptable

However, you should still:

  • Follow all safety protocols outlined in this guide.
  • Clearly identify yourself as press at all times.
  • Understand that protections don't eliminate all risks.
  • Document any violations for potential legal action.
  • Know your emergency contacts.

Before the protest

Get your gear ready

Whether you are recording audio or video, or just have a phone, keep your gear ready:

  • Go with batteries fully charged and bring spare batteries if possible.
  • Ensure you have enough free memory on all devices.
  • Carry portable chargers and charging cables.
  • Bring food, water, and any necessary medications.
  • Pack a basic first aid kit (bandages, pain relievers, antacids).
  • Consider weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy, comfortable shoes.
  • Keep a written list of emergency contacts (editor, fellow journalists, legal hotline) in case you lose access to your phone.
  • Bring multiple forms of identification and press credentials.
  • Consider protective gear: helmet, goggles or safety glasses, N95 or gas mask if available.

Get your devices ready

  • Remove sensitive material from your devices beforehand and back up everything in case your devices get seized by authorities.
  • Enable encryption on your devices and use secure messaging apps like Signal.
  • Consider using a burner phone for sensitive communications.
  • Turn off biometric unlocks (Face ID, fingerprint) and use a strong passcode instead.
  • Set up automatic cloud backup for photos and videos.
  • Enable airplane mode to prevent remote wiping if your device is seized.
  • Keep your video and audio recorder running if difficulties ensue, so you have documented any incident.
  • Memorize important phone numbers in case you don't have access to your contacts.
  • Create a plan for quickly transferring footage off your device if necessary.

Know your rights and who to call


Your First Amendment rights:

  • Journalists have a constitutional right to observe and record matters of public interest in public spaces.
  • Police cannot seize your footage or devices without a warrant.
  • You generally cannot be arrested simply for taking photographs or videos in public spaces.
  • If you are on public land, the police have limited authority to restrict your movement.

If stopped by police:

  • Politely identify yourself as a journalist working on a story.
  • Keep your hands visible and avoid sudden movements.
  • Your equipment contains your work material; politely decline to turn it over or to consent to searches.
  • You have the right to remain silent beyond identifying yourself.
  • Request to speak with a supervisor if an officer is being unreasonable.
  • Ask, "Am I free to go?" If yes, leave calmly.
  • Let officers know you wish to call a lawyer if you're being detained.
  • Note the name and badge number of any officer you interact with.

Can you resist police orders? The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press says resisting is not recommended, even if orders are legally questionable. Comply under protest and document the interaction for potential legal action later.

Do your homework

  • Research the protest: What are the goals? Who organized it? What's the expected turnout?
  • Study the location: Where are the entry and exit points? Where might confrontations occur?
  • Know the local laws regarding assembly, permits, and curfews.
  • Review your news organization's safety protocols and insurance coverage.
  • Identify legal support resources available to you.
  • Check social media and organize chats to understand protest plans and potential. flashpoints.
  • Reach out to protest organizers, if possible, to understand their perspective and plans.

Coordinate with your newsroom

  • File a detailed coverage plan with your editor, including location, timing, and contact schedule.
  • Establish check-in times and procedures.
  • Discuss your role: Are you there to report, photograph, or broadcast live?
  • Clarify decision-making authority: When should you leave? When should you stop recording?
  • Ensure someone at your newsroom is monitoring your safety throughout the event.
  • Have a plan for filing stories and photos if you need to leave quickly.

During the protest

Positioning and visibility

  • Do not try to blend into a crowd of protesters. Stay on the outside or the edge of protests, not in the middle of a crowd, where you could get trapped or be mistaken for a participant.
  • Consider wearing press identification clearly visible (vest, hat, armband), but avoid lanyards that could become tangled or grabbed.
  • Keep your press credentials easily accessible but secure.
  • Position yourself where you can see and document the action while maintaining escape routes.
  • Wear eye protection (safety glasses or goggles) even if you already wear glasses.
  • Consider ear protection if you expect flash-bang grenades or other loud munitions.

Maintaining professional boundaries

  • You are there to cover the event, not participate. Maintain your independence and objectivity at all times.
  • Be respectful of police, law enforcement, and protesters alike.
  • Consider introducing yourself to law enforcement and protest organizers early as a journalist to avoid. misunderstandings if the situation escalates.
  • Do not give tactical advice to protesters or police.
  • Avoid cheering, chanting, or any behavior that could be interpreted as taking sides.
  • Don't handle protest materials, signs, or debris unless necessary for reporting.

Situational awareness

  • Think constantly about your situational awareness. Identify escape routes immediately upon arrival and reassess them as the situation evolves.
  • Watch for signs of escalation: police putting on riot gear, protesters becoming more aggressive, crowd density increasing.
  • Monitor police scanner apps or radios if available.
  • Keep an eye on multiple groups: protesters, counter-protesters, police, and observers
  • Notice any agitators or individuals trying to provoke violence.
  • Be aware of your surroundings at all times: vehicles, thrown objects, shifting crowd movements.
  • Trust your instincts—if something feels unsafe, leave or reposition.

Communication and collaboration

  • Use a buddy system. Whether you are an independent freelancer or with a large news organization, stay in contact with fellow journalists on the scene.
  • Watch out for one another and share information about hazards.
  • Establish timed check-ins with your newsroom or fellow journalists (every 30-60 minutes).
  • Use encrypted messaging apps for sensitive communications.
  • Share observations and safety information with other journalists.
  • If you see another journalist in trouble, document it and seek help.

Managing escalation

If tensions escalate, don't escalate them with your actions and words. Keep calm and professional.

  • Avoid sudden movements that could be misinterpreted by police or protesters.
  • If police order dispersal, comply promptly while continuing to document if safe to do so.

If chemical agents are deployed:

  • Move to fresh air immediately.
  • Don't rub your eyes or face.
  • Don't touch tear gas or flash-bang canisters.
  • Rinse eyes and exposed skin with cold water (not warm or hot).
  • Remove contaminated clothing when safe to do so.
  • Rinse clothes in cold water before washing.

If projectiles are thrown, seek cover behind solid objects.

  • If you're caught in a crowd surge, protect your chest and try to stay upright.
  • Use your predetermined escape routes.
  • Don't try to retrieve dropped equipment if it puts you in danger.

Documentation best practices

  • Keep cameras and recording devices running continuously if possible.
  • Document police and protester behavior, including any use of force.
  • Record verbal exchanges with law enforcement.
  • Take note of badge numbers, unit numbers, and identifying information.
  • Photograph signs, banners, and crowd size for context.
  • Capture the full scene: wide shots and close-ups.
  • Back up footage regularly if you have cellular or Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • Consider live-streaming if your safety protocols allow it.

After the protest

Immediate debrief

  • Check in with your newsroom immediately upon leaving.
  • Document any incidents, confrontations, or injuries while memory is fresh.
  • Back up all footage and recordings to multiple locations.
  • Write down names, badge numbers, and details of any problematic interactions.
  • Share safety intelligence with other journalists and your newsroom.

If you were assaulted, arrested, or harassed

  • Seek medical attention if needed, even for minor injuries.
  • Document all injuries with photographs.
  • File a formal complaint if appropriate.
  • Contact your news organization's legal team.
  • Report the incident to press freedom organizations (see resources below).
  • Preserve all evidence: clothing, equipment, footage, notes.
  • Write a detailed incident report as soon as possible.

Self-care and trauma awareness

  • Debrief with colleagues or a supervisor about what you witnessed.
  • Recognize signs of stress or trauma in yourself: difficulty sleeping, irritability, intrusive thoughts.
  • Seek professional counseling if you're struggling to process what you witnessed.
  • Take breaks from covering traumatic events if needed.
  • Remember that experiencing stress after covering violence is normal and not a sign of weakness.

Legal follow-up

  • If your equipment was seized, follow up immediately with legal counsel.
  • If you were arrested, document everything and seek legal representation.
  • Consider filing public records requests for police reports, body camera footage, or radio communications.
  • Connect with press freedom legal organizations for support.

Considerations

Solo journalists and freelancers

  • Never cover potentially dangerous protests alone if you can avoid it.
  • Establish a check-in system with an editor, friend, or family member.
  • Consider joining journalist safety networks or Signal groups.
  • Ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.
  • Know what legal support is available to you as an independent journalist.

Student journalists

  • Follow your institution's safety protocols.
  • Ensure your faculty advisor or editor knows where you are.
  • Understand your legal protections under the First Amendment.
  • Contact the Student Press Law Center if you face legal challenges.

Live streaming and social media

  • Be aware that live streaming removes your ability to review footage before publication.
  • Consider the safety implications of broadcasting your exact location in real-time.
  • Have a plan for quickly ending a stream if you're in danger.
  • Be mindful of accidentally documenting others' faces or identities without consent.

Covering counter-protesters

  • Treat all groups with the same professional standards.
  • Be aware that tensions between opposing groups may be higher than between protesters and police.
  • Position yourself carefully to avoid being caught between groups.
  • Don't assume one side will be friendlier to the press than the other.

Your rights

What you can do

  • Photograph or record anything visible from a public space.
  • Record police officers performing their duties in public.
  • Remain in public areas where others are allowed to be.
  • Ask questions of public officials.
  • Decline to answer questions beyond identifying yourself.

What the police cannot do

  • Arrest you for taking photographs or videos in public.
  • Seize your equipment or delete your footage without a warrant.
  • Single you out for being press when allowing others to remain.
  • Retaliate against you for recording police activity.
  • Demand you stop recording absent a legitimate law enforcement purpose.

What the police can do

  • Order general dispersal of an area (which applies to press as well, though this is sometimes challenged).
  • Arrest you for violating generally applicable laws (trespassing, obstruction, curfew violations).
  • Establish press areas in some circumstances, though this is legally murky.
  • Ask for your identification in some jurisdictions.

Gray areas and ongoing legal debates

  • Whether police can establish "press pens" or restricted areas for media.
  • Whether police can order media to disperse from areas where others are not present.
  • Whether press have special access rights beyond those of ordinary citizens.
  • State-specific laws regarding recording in public spaces.

Resources

Emergency legal hotlines

  • Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press Legal Defense Hotline: 1-800-336-4243
    (Available 24/7 for journalists facing legal issues)
    Website: https://rcfp.org
  • Student Press Law Center
    For student journalists facing legal challenges
    Website: https://splc.org/legalhelp
  • Freedom of the Press Foundation
    Report press freedom violations and get assistance
    Website: https://freedom.press
  • National Press Photographers Association Legal Hotline: (703) 506-3265
    For visual journalists
    Website: https://nppa.org

Press freedom and safety organizations

  • Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ)
    Safety resources, training, and incident reporting
    (Website: https://cpj.org | Safety Kit: https://cpj.org/safety-kit)
  • Poynter Institute
    Training and resources for covering civil unrest
    (Website: https://poynter.org)
  • National Press Club Journalism Institute
    Safety resources and training
    (Website: https://press.org)
  • International Center for Journalists (ICFJ)
    Safety resources and training programs
    (Website: https://icfj.org)
  • Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma
    Resources for covering violence and managing trauma
    (Website: https://dartcenter.org)

Legal and rights resources

Safety and security resources

Digital security resources

Incident reporting

Training opportunities

Medical and mental health resources

  • Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma
    Resources for managing trauma and stress
    (Website: https://dartcenter.org)
  • Headington Institute
    Support for humanitarian workers and journalists
    (Website: https://headington-institute.org)
  • 911 or local emergency services For immediate medical emergencies

Additional reading and tipsheets

Appendix: checklist