With the ubiquitous-ness of digital cameras (usually attached to cellular telephones) it’s only logical that the civilian populus would film any actions taken by the constabulary in public. Think of Rodney King – squared.
One would think this is only fair, as most populated areas are now replete with cameras either filming the public willy-nilly, or those privately-owned that may be accessed, like ATM cameras. AND, police dash cams. And it would make sense to keep such actions free, as open government is a desirable thing.
Not to mention cases such as Kyllo v. United States and Boyd v. United States, which reaffirmed the English Common Law which said the eye cannot trespass.
Well, forget all that…
As more and more of the public are photographing and filming police activity, more States are acting to suppress the right of a free people to record such actions. Why is that, if the government is acting within the law?
Asking permission to engage in free behavior in an open society? And out-and-out prosecution in certain jurisdictions?
Outrageous and disgusting. Expect more of this coming to your town down the road. Because governments never rarely* expand to promote individual freedom.
h/t Miss Lisa, wirecutter
Wasn’t there a federal case last year that upheld the citizens right to film the police ?
Posted by Matt | February 24, 2013, 8:28 amI believe there was. But, apparently, it hasn’t trickled-down to the street, yet.
Not unlike Chicago and gun law.
Posted by guffaw1952 | February 24, 2013, 8:30 amThat being asked, I don’t depend on the courts to define my rights.
Posted by Mstt | February 24, 2013, 8:31 amWell you got that right!
Mstt
Posted by guffaw1952 | February 24, 2013, 8:32 amApparently police do not have a right to privacy while working – but the case didn’t address the myriad of collateral issues (as I understand it).
Posted by guffaw1952 | February 24, 2013, 12:31 pmI looked – this is what I found…
http://www.examiner.com/article/supreme-court-says-cops-have-no-expectation-of-privacy
Posted by guffaw1952 | February 24, 2013, 8:41 amHave encountered too many police who are either poorly trained concerning citizen rights or badge happy; maybe both. Makes them feel they aren’t in control of the situation.
Posted by WellSeasonedFool | February 24, 2013, 8:52 amGood observation!
Posted by guffaw1952 | February 24, 2013, 12:28 pmgood post… they dont want you to film them because they dont wanna be caught being corrupt.. most cops now adays are filming you or recording you. all cop cars pretty much have dash cams, a lot of cops have microphones in or under their shirt.. and some states have cameras in the flashlights at dwi checkpoints.
Posted by jsethphotography | February 24, 2013, 8:59 amThank you.
DWI checkpoints are yet another matter (along with TSA intrusions)
Theoretically, at least in court action, such recordings would be discoverable.
Posted by guffaw1952 | February 24, 2013, 12:29 pmYeah, they record us, but we can’t record them… Doesn’t make a lot of sense does it???
Posted by Old NFO | February 24, 2013, 1:54 pmThey’re ‘SPECIAL’!
Posted by guffaw1952 | February 24, 2013, 1:58 pm