When Authorities Come To Your Squat

These are just some ideas put together from past experiences. Always use your best judgement when dealing with city officials. Do not let them manipulate you or intimidate you. When in doubt, always seek the experience and support of other squatters. When threatened by an authority immediately contact other squatters to come and support you, the more support you have, the more strength you'll have combating their presence. Contacting Eviction Watch is a good way to get the alarm out.

H.P.D. (Housing Preservation and Development)

• Pretend you're not home. Don't talk to them. Do not open the door.
• Never give them your name, nor any other information. They may, and probably will, use it to evict you!
• Legally they cannot evict you without a court appearance.

The Fire Department

• If it is just an inspector, tell them you are not authorized to let them in. Talk them into making an appointment. Get help from lawyers and other squatters.
• If they present you with a vacate order that's the final word, it's time for action. You can leave or fight it out (use your creativity and act wisely).
• The fire marshal has the right to force entry. He can legally break the door down. It's probably best to let only the fire marshall in, keep everyone else out.

Inspectors and Contractors

• Do not let them in! Don't even open the door.
• Tell them to make an appointment.
• If they do get in they will find evidence (such as code violations) to use for a vacate order.
• Don't give them your name.
• Convince the seal up crew that if they proceed they will be held responsible for committing illegal acts. Point out how they are being exploited, it works!

Police

• DON'T OPEN THE DOOR!!! They may try to push their way in.
• Prepare to defend the building.
• Ask if they have a warrant for that specific address. If they claim that they do, have them slip it under the door.
• Send someone out for help using a secret exit. Immediately round up outside support. Call Eviction Watch!
• Stall. Tell them you are contacting your lawyer and do so. The longer you stall, the more people can gather to support you. The threat of a lawyer may intimidate cops.
• If they do get in, keep a careful eye on them. Demand to see their I.D. Take down names and badge numbers. You have a right to document actions by public officials, so record, videotape or photograph everything. Let them know that you are aware that they have acted illegally.
• Do not offer any information besides your name and address if you are forced to do so. Tell them that you will not speak unless accompanied by your lawyer.

muse@musespace.com