Just this week,..
a federal appeals court in Philadelphia reaffirmed the right of Americans to film on-duty police officers when they are in public.
As it stands currently, there are rulings that have been established in at least half of the states, that seek to protect the right of US citizens to videotape law enforcement. And one who has yet to weigh in on the issue? The Supreme Court
The ruling from the court in Philadelphia just recently, stems from the decision in Fields v. City of Philadelphia. The court reaffirmed that first amendment extends to the right of people filming the police in public. It’s been suggested by legal experts for quite some time now that the police shouldn’t expect any privacy when they are carrying out their duties in public.
This recent decision from the appeals court adds to the consensus among appeals court judges that the right to film is one that should remain protected.
And it isn’t just the public who are filming, a growing number of police departments are also looking to add cameras to the uniform and looking to film their job duties and interactions with the public.
Despite the courts having affirmed the right to film in public for many states, and police departments instructing their officers that they should allow the public to engage in this activity, those who have been filming or photographing police have often been met with harassment, detainment, and arrest.
It's alleged that in at least 38 states now that it has been clearly dictated that citizens do have the right to record the police.
However, along with that right to film doesn't include the right to interfere with any police operations and investigation.
In some states, the rules aren't as clear and in places like Nevada, Michigan, Montana, and elsewhere, it's required that consent be given from all parties first, if their conversation is going to be recorded.
Despite the rules set and seemingly gray area in places that don't have clear legislation in place protecting the right to film, legal experts have insisted that Americans do have a right to film the police in all 50 states; if they do not get in their way.
Pics:
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This information isn't intended to be any form of legal advice and is posted for information purposes only.
Source:
https://www.rt.com/usa/395680-recording-police-lawsuit/
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/07/a-major-victory-for-the-right-to-record-police/533031/
http://www.rcfp.org/reporters-recording-guide
https://www.copblock.org/filmthepolice/
https://video.vice.com/en_us/video/know-your-rights-filming-the-police/59382564cfefdf393600826e
https://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2015/04/what-to-say-when-the-police-tell-you-to-stop-filming-them/391610/