When power gets sloppy, documentation becomes a form of self-defense. In a moment where government abuse is denied, delayed, or buried under bureaucracy, knowing how to record the truth without becoming the next target is an essential resistance skill. This guide walks you through how to document misconduct carefully, legally, and safely — so the evidence survives even if the system doesn’t.
Skill level: 🟡 Intermediate
Purpose: Protect the truth. Protect yourself.
Why this matters
Authoritarian systems rely on two things: fear and amnesia. Abuse happens fast, records disappear faster, and then officials shrug and say, “There’s no evidence.” Your job isn’t to fight them head-on — it’s to preserve proof safely, in ways that protect you and the people involved. Documentation is resistance, but sloppy documentation can put targets on backs. This guide shows you how to do it smartly.
What counts as “government abuse”
- Unlawful detentions
- Civil rights violations
- Police or ICE misconduct
- Suppressed court access
- Threats, coercion, or retaliation
- Policy enforcement that contradicts written law
If it feels wrong and smells like power abuse, document it.
Step-by-step: how to document safely
1. Capture facts, not feelings
Write down:
- Date and time
- Exact location
- Agency involved
- Badge numbers, unit names, or vehicle markings if visible
- Direct quotes only — no paraphrasing
Do not speculate. Do not editorialize. Facts survive scrutiny.
2. Preserve original files immediately
If you record video, photos, audio, or screenshots:
- Do not edit originals
- Do not add filters or captions
- Save a copy exactly as captured
Editing creates doubt. Originals create leverage.
3. Strip metadata before sharing
Photos and videos often include:
- GPS location
- Device ID
- Time stamps
Use a metadata removal tool before posting or sending files. Keep the original untouched in secure storage.
4. Store evidence in at least two places
- One offline (encrypted USB, external drive)
- One encrypted cloud or secure archive
Never rely on a single platform. Platforms comply. Drives disappear.
5. Use neutral filenames
Bad: ICE_KIDNAPPING_VIDEO_FINAL.mov
Good: VID_2026_01_12_1530.mov
Neutral files attract less attention and look professional in court.
6. Write a short incident log
One paragraph answering:
- Who was affected
- What happened
- Who did it
- How you know
Keep it factual. This becomes the backbone of affidavits and reporting.
7. Share strategically, not emotionally
Do not blast sensitive evidence everywhere at once.
Prioritize:
- Journalists
- Legal groups
- Civil rights orgs
- Trusted archivists
Virality feels good. Survival lasts longer.
What not to do
- Do not tag agencies or officials on social media
- Do not reveal victims’ identities without consent
- Do not exaggerate — ever
- Do not assume “nothing will happen to me”
That’s how people get silenced.
When systems refuse accountability, memory becomes resistance. Every clean note, preserved file, and verified timeline is a crack in the wall of denial they rely on to keep power unchecked. You don’t have to confront authority to hold it accountable — you just have to outlast the lie. Document carefully. Share wisely. Protect yourself. The truth has a longer shelf life than propaganda, and Resistance Kitty intends to make sure it survives. 🐾