Despite assurances of ‘community style policing’ police have said that Forward Intelligence Teams (FIT) WILL be in operation at the camp.

They will be aiming to capture potential ‘domestic extremists’ on camera – and ridiculously, that appears to cover all climate campers. They will monitor the arrival of known campaigners, and get nice pictures of all the new faces.

Images and personal details will be entered into a police database. This will then be used by the FIT to decide who to target for their ‘preventative policing’ strategy. Or ‘harassment-style policing’ as ex Home Secretary Jacqui Smith helpfully explained it.

There is no reason why we should tolerate FIT policing. But there are many ways to FITwatch – here are a few suggestions:

Cover your face when being filmed or photographed. You can do this with a scarf, a mask or simply by holding up a newspaper! You have a right not to co-operate, and the police have said there will be no order in place to remove face coverings, so all of the above are entirely legal – and recommended!

Help protect your fellow campers, as well as yourself. As you are wandering (slowly?) past a FIT team, feel free to hold up banners, placards, hats, newspapers or anything else that comes to hand, so that it’s harder for the FIT photographers to see and film others arriving.

Take their picture. Despite rumours, there is nothing unlawful in taking pictures of police unless you are going to use them for some terrorist purposes. We find that straight on shots in front of the FIT photographer can often be the best pics…and make sure you take your time, and get plenty of shots;-) [Good photos of FIT officers (with ID numbers in shot, please) can be sent to FITwatch at  defycops@yahoo.co.uk.]

Watch out for cops with cameras hiding in police cars or other places where they are not easily noticed - if you see them do this take details and a picture and get them to FITwatch.

Look after the FITwatchers. In the past FITwatchers have had a whole heap of hassle from police at climate camps. They’ll need your support – and larger groups will help to keep everybody safe.

Let’s get FIT off our streets for good.

More info on FIT and practical tactics to defeat them at FITwatch workshops during climate camp.

FITwatch xxxx