L.A. cops cracking down on Paparazzi

[cboy4]

After some high-profile incidents, law enforcement agencies are cracking down on celebrity photographers.



By Andrew Blankstein, Los Angeles Times Staff Writer
January 18, 2008

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-paparazzi18jan18,0,2437575.story?coll=la-home-center

As paparazzi become ever more competitive in their quest for the perfect tabloid photo, complaints about their tactics are intensifying.

<snip>

In response, Los Angeles law enforcement officials are beginning to crack down.

"Their numbers -- and aggressiveness -- have grown exponentially," said Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore, who cited a case this week in which West Hollywood sheriff's deputies were called to a gym after paparazzi brought traffic on Melrose Avenue to a standstill as they jostled to photograph Jessica Alba.

Both the Sheriff's Department and the Los Angeles Police Department have begun keeping a running record of complaints about paparazzi, including names and the agencies that employ problem photographers. The Sheriff's Department has even started photographing some celebrity photographers, hoping to document bad behavior.

[Maddy McCall]

1. Can they crack down on disgusting crotch shots next?

Can they make Britney keep her knees together when she's getting out of a car, and perhaps use feminine hygiene products? Because what I saw on X17 today will haunt me forever.

:scared:

[me9399]

5. OMG

I saw that too...eeew

[cboy4]

6. OK that made me go look.

:scared:

[LeftCoast]

2. I usually disapprove of LA police crack-downs, but in this case I'll make an exception

:woohoo: Go LA Sherriffs! :D

[Oeditpus Rex]

3. Good

I despise these bastards. They make it more difficult for legitimate photojournalists to do their job.

[soothsayer]

4. professional stalkers