Lock-on
Encyclopedia
A lock-on is a technique used by peaceful protest
ers to make it difficult to remove them from their place of protest. It often involves handcuffs
, chain
s, padlock
s or bicycle lock
s. More complicated lock-ons involve protesters putting their limbs through pipes containing concrete
, or a mixture of steel
and concrete and is only limited by the imagination and ingenuity of those making the "lock-on". The willing protester can choose between a type that will allow them to willingly remove themselves or a type that requires machinery to remove them.
The safe removal of the protesters necessitates the involvement of skilled technicians, and is often time-consuming.
The lock-on chosen by the protester may be the difference between being arrested or not, or may vary the kind or number of charges brought against them by the police
. If a protester can remove themselves when asked to by the police, they may stand a better chance of not being arrested. However, if they can remove themselves and they chose not to, they may receive a charge for refusing to remove themselves from the lock-on. If the protester cannot remove themselves, it is likely that potential charges are not as important to them as what they are protesting about.
"Locking on" is a very successful means of slowing down operations which are in truth or are perceived by the protesters to be illegal or immoral; it is also often used to allow time for journalist
s to arrive and record the scene and take statements from the group spokespeople.
Protest
A protest is an expression of objection, by words or by actions, to particular events, policies or situations. Protests can take many different forms, from individual statements to mass demonstrations...
ers to make it difficult to remove them from their place of protest. It often involves handcuffs
Handcuffs
Handcuffs are restraint devices designed to secure an individual's wrists close together. They comprise two parts, linked together by a chain, a hinge, or rigid bar. Each half has a rotating arm which engages with a ratchet that prevents it from being opened once closed around a person's wrist...
, chain
Chain
A chain is a sequence of connected links.Chain may also refer to:Chain may refer to:* Necklace - a jewelry which is worn around the neck* Mail , a type of armor made of interlocking chain links...
s, padlock
Padlock
Padlocks are portable locks used to protect against theft, vandalism, sabotage, unauthorized use, and harm. They are designed to protect against some degree of forced and surreptitious entry.- History :...
s or bicycle lock
Bicycle lock
A bicycle lock is a physical security device used on a bicycle to prevent theft. It is generally used to fasten the bicycle to a bicycle stand or other immovable object....
s. More complicated lock-ons involve protesters putting their limbs through pipes containing concrete
Concrete
Concrete is a composite construction material, composed of cement and other cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate , water and chemical admixtures.The word concrete comes from the Latin word...
, or a mixture of steel
Steel
Steel is an alloy that consists mostly of iron and has a carbon content between 0.2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade. Carbon is the most common alloying material for iron, but various other alloying elements are used, such as manganese, chromium, vanadium, and tungsten...
and concrete and is only limited by the imagination and ingenuity of those making the "lock-on". The willing protester can choose between a type that will allow them to willingly remove themselves or a type that requires machinery to remove them.
The safe removal of the protesters necessitates the involvement of skilled technicians, and is often time-consuming.
The lock-on chosen by the protester may be the difference between being arrested or not, or may vary the kind or number of charges brought against them by the police
Police
The police is a personification of the state designated to put in practice the enforced law, protect property and reduce civil disorder in civilian matters. Their powers include the legitimized use of force...
. If a protester can remove themselves when asked to by the police, they may stand a better chance of not being arrested. However, if they can remove themselves and they chose not to, they may receive a charge for refusing to remove themselves from the lock-on. If the protester cannot remove themselves, it is likely that potential charges are not as important to them as what they are protesting about.
"Locking on" is a very successful means of slowing down operations which are in truth or are perceived by the protesters to be illegal or immoral; it is also often used to allow time for journalist
Journalist
A journalist collects and distributes news and other information. A journalist's work is referred to as journalism.A reporter is a type of journalist who researchs, writes, and reports on information to be presented in mass media, including print media , electronic media , and digital media A...
s to arrive and record the scene and take statements from the group spokespeople.
External links
- locking on to a gate in the UK
- locked on to the gate
- police specialist removing locks
- tubes in series with three people to close one lane
- online article from the Pittsburg Post Gazette