What to wear to cover protests, according to the Dart Center for Journalism and Trauma

In an article from the Dart Center, Judith Matloff recommends that reporters covering protests come prepared, dressed to protect themselves in the event that the protest becomes unsafe and the police respond violently. She recommends clothing, protective gear and styling that reporters can practice in order to cover a protest safely and effectively.

First, Matloff advises that reporters not wear clothing that will make them look like a protester, including the color black. She also suggests strategic clothing to protect oneself from anything that could go wrong, from bad weather to tear gas and rubber bullets. Additionally, she recommends avoiding anything that can be pulled in the bustle of a protest such as a ponytail, jewelry or a scarf.

“Wear a helmet and if available, a flak jacket for rubber bullets,” Matloff adds. “The police are firing indiscriminately, and protesters have bad aim with rocks, water bottles and fireworks.” 

This advice is extremely timely as the news cycle frequents protests advocating for and against different social and political matters. It is important that journalists be strategic in how they prepare for covering such events, particularly in what they wear, so that they can cover the event effectively while keeping themselves safe.