An Opportunity to Make a Difference

A willingness to participate and a ‘can do’ attitude is the first attribute required to become a Lawful Observer. Competent literacy skills, a keen eye for detail and an ability to understand and comply with strict rules for recording and presentation of evidence are also essential.

We are committed to diversity and actively encourage volunteers from across the entire spectrum of society. We welcome all races, religions, genders, sexual orientations and physically differently abled. The only requirement is you are aged 18-years or above (no upper limit) and are free from serious criminal convictions.

We ask that all applicants are honest when expressing an interest in becoming a Lawful Observer and declare any previous criminal convictions (even if spent).

It would be inappropriate to exclude people with previous criminal convictions based on a sweeping generalisation of the concept. Therefore, all volunteers will be considered with equal merit, based on the qualities and core competencies they can contribute. However, we must also consider the potential for previous convictions to be introduced into court proceedings and possibly published by the mainstream media. This could seriously compromise the organisation and discredit the Lawful Observer network if a volunteer has been previously convicted of serious crime.

A Lawful Observer’s evidence and willingness to give testimony will serve to achieve successful criminal and civil prosecutions. Common sense would dictate that individuals with serious criminal convictions may not meet the eligibility criteria as credible witnesses under current judiciary processes. This is especially true for convictions of seriously violent, sexual, child related or racial aggravated offences.

The Role of a Lawful Observer:

To attend and report incidents where the rights of persons are subject to unlawful intervention.
Where practicable to inform perpetrators where and how they are breaking the law.
To observe any actions being taken against the victim and ensure they are completely lawful.
To protect victims and their property by any lawful means.
To not interfere directly with the functions of the police.
To maintain a peaceful but cordial co-existence with police officers and, only engage in dialogue to educate and inform.
To accurately record all incidents in written statement form, contemporaneously or as soon as practicable.
To obtain audio and video evidence whenever practicable.*
To bear witness at court or any hearings where justice is being decided.
To exercise your lawful right to enforce an arrest against any person/s when police officers are either unwilling or unable to exercise their duty.
To uphold Common Law and use Statute Law to advantage.
To follow all agreed reporting and rules of evidence protocols and, comply with evidence retention and continuity processes.

As a Lawful Observer you will:

take an oath to uphold the law and act only in the best interests of the people, to counter unlawful governance and suppression of individual rights.
be subject to a strict code of conduct
be clearly distinguishable with a set uniform
carry identification that identifies you as a trained Lawful Observer
receive refresher courses and full support.

If you are interested in becoming a Lawful Observer or want to find out more about training and recruitment, please contact your Local or Regional Community Assembly.

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