Chief’s Counsel: Pitfalls with the First Amendment, Arrest, and Trespass

Many police departments in the United States provide security for their governing body’s public meetings and gatherings. Public meetings and gatherings take place in public facilities and discuss items open to the general public. There might be legal implications if an officer arrests a person at a public meeting or facility who is considered a trespasser by city officials or officers. What pitfalls are present for police in these situations, especially with First Amendment issues, and how can governments help police with these issues?