The Law: Is it legal to take pictures of cops while they perform their duties?

[HCE SuiGeneris]

There is a real need to define the rules. The many incidents of cops harassing civilians seems to be growing, and I can't say I am happy with the escalation of on-site pronouncements from them saying the civilian taking pictures is in violation of some obscure law.

Any lawyers, judges, cops, or otherwise informed people, have an answer relating to the legality of picture taking in these cases?

(Edit for clarity)

This was the film clip that prompted this OP http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_udXNiZcs38

[midnight]

1. I don't know, but I have heard that police believe taking photos

interfer with their job?

[HCE SuiGeneris]

3. So, if that's the case, if one is not in close proximity (away from the scene), then it would be

legal? There is some logic to that.

[patriotvoice]

12. If the officer notices you, you are a distraction:

And the officer may detain or arrest you for interfering with the operation of an officer in the performance of his duty. If you survey, I suggest you do it with a long lens.

[napoleon_in_rags]

2. Good question.

I'm curious too, I understand the chilling effect it could have in certain cases, but if the paparazzi are constantly doing it, I don't see how a cop has more or less rights than a celeb...

[ret5hd]

4. Of course it is legal.

[Liberal In Texas]

5. Photographers Rights.

The first thing that comes up when you Google it:
http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm

I keep a copy of this in my camera bags.

Basically, the cops are wrong.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

6. Excellent. Thanks for pointing out that resource.

:thumbsup:

[PoiBoy]

7. Here's an interesting link...

COPWATCH
http://www.copwatch.net/forums/index.php?s=76deba4d1e0015f04671ffecad711bcf


Registraton is required (it's free) to peruse the whole site, but there is a wealth of information there... I'm not registered yet... lots of good information here...

:hi:

[HCE SuiGeneris]

8. Bookmarked.

Thanks! :hi:

[stillcool]

9. Check out what happened..

to RagingInMiami..
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=389&topic_id=272761&mesg_id=272761

[HCE SuiGeneris]

10. I remember his travails,

his legal battles were quite extensive. Thanks for digging this up. :hi:

[dysfunctional press]

15. what was the end result...?

do you know anything as far as how it ended up?

[patriotvoice]

11. If they are on your or public property, yes. However...

you may be detained or arrested for interfering with the operation of an officer in the performance of his duties. Let me be very clear: if an officer takes notice of you, he can detain you for interfering, because his sheer act of noticing *you* has taken his attention off of his *charge*.

[whistle]

13. In a Police State secrecy is absolutely necessary to maintain order

...just like the military in Iraq bans photographs of all kind. What Americans can't see won't hurt them...them being the police and also the military. :yoiks:

[pointblank]

14. Funny

the link doesn't work anymore...hmmmmm