Since Copwatch was founded in Berkeley in 1990, the idea has caught on across the country and branches have sprung up from coast to coast. Its mission is to reduce police abuse by educating and informing the public of their rights in regards to the police, to keep police accountable and to encourage the public to resolve conflicts in ways that do not involve the boys (and girls) in blue. It takes shifts documenting interactions between the police and the community and hold information sessions informing people of their rights. Volunteer or go to the website to view the resources and learn your rights.