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Citizens Can Videotape the Cops

Discussion in 'Alley of Dangerous Angles' started by Blackthorne TA, Sep 1, 2011.

  1. Blackthorne TA

    Blackthorne TA Master in his Own Mind Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder Adored Veteran Pillars of Eternity SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!) New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    The US First Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that filming government officials is legal.

    I've been waiting for something like this for a while. I've seen several reports of people being arrested because they refused to stop videotaping cops performing their duties with some cops even deleting the footage, and couldn't believe they could do that legally.

    Glad to know I was right :)
     
  2. The Great Snook Gems: 31/31
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    An excellent ruling indeed.
     
  3. Shoshino

    Shoshino Irritant Veteran

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    In the UK it is legal to film police on public property if you are not hindering them in the course of their duties, if they are on private property, you need permission from the property owner, if you are filming them dealing with a crime then it may be illlegal for the footage to be kept, depending on the nature of the crime.
     
  4. T2Bruno

    T2Bruno The only source of knowledge is experience Distinguished Member ★ SPS Account Holder Adored Veteran New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    There's a cop out by where I live I see on occasion ... wow. I wouldn't mind videotaping her.
     
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    In the line of her duties?
     
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    In my opinion it is only fair. The police can video and audiotape suspects so why shouldn't citizens be able to do the same. I have a friend who is a MA state trooper and he does not like this ruling, yet he freely admits that it is standard practice for the police to delete all audio and video recordings that they want to. Kind of how they always delete the part where they say "This is off the record"

    People need to remember that there is no such thing as "Off the record" and lying to the police is a crime (remember Casey Anthony?), but everyone has the right to legal representation and to remain silent. They can't force you to be interrogated.
     
  7. T2Bruno

    T2Bruno The only source of knowledge is experience Distinguished Member ★ SPS Account Holder Adored Veteran New Server Contributor [2012] (for helping Sorcerer's Place lease a new, more powerful server!) Torment: Tides of Numenera SP Immortalizer (for helping immortalize Sorcerer's Place in the game!)

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    In whatever she wants to wear Shaman.
     
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    In whatever she wants to wear, knowing that you are taping her! Get out of that tree outside her window, T2! I wonder if your wife would be happy with any videos you took!! ;)
     
  9. Shoshino

    Shoshino Irritant Veteran

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    is a phrase that alot of people dont understand, this is used by people in authority to voice an opinion which is not represented or enforced by the organisation, therefore not legally relevent.
     
  10. Montresor

    Montresor Mostly Harmless Staff Member ★ SPS Account Holder

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    That depends on the duties in question. For example there are certain stakeout/setup operations involving female officers... ;)
     
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