Videotape police abusing their power? That's a felony.

[You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]

Some highlights:

Quote :

In response to a flood of Facebook and YouTube videos that depict police abuse, a new trend in law enforcement is gaining popularity. In at least three states, it is now illegal to record any on-duty police officer.

Even if the encounter involves you and may be necessary to your defense, and even if the recording is on a public street where no expectation of privacy exists.

Quote :

In short, recordings that are flattering to the police - an officer kissing a baby or rescuing a dog - will almost certainly not result in prosecution even if they are done without all-party consent. The only people who seem prone to prosecution are those who embarrass or confront the police, or who somehow challenge the law. If true, then the prosecutions are a form of social control to discourage criticism of the police or simple dissent.

Quote :

Almost without exception, police officials have staunchly supported the arresting officers. This argues strongly against the idea that some rogue officers are overreacting or that a few cops have something to hide. "Arrest those who record the police" appears to be official policy, and it's backed by the courts.

Quote :

Happily, even as the practice of arresting "shooters" expands, there are signs of effective backlash. At least one Pennsylvania jurisdiction has reaffirmed the right to video in public places. As part of a settlement with ACLU attorneys who represented an arrested "shooter," the police in Spring City and East Vincent Township adopted a written policy allowing the recording of on-duty policemen.

As journalist Radley Balko declares, "State legislatures should consider passing laws explicitly making it legal to record on-duty law enforcement officials."

This is disturbing. While I can see situations where the police wouldn't want random people with cameras getting involved in dangerous situations and possibly getting hurt or interfering with police work, video cameras can be used to get footage from a good distance away, and I would think that cases of interference could be taken on a case-by-case basis, rather than with tolitarian, stifling laws like this.

Yeah, this is bullshit.

I got 30 years of court cases saying that the First Amendment protects anyone who is videotaping police officers in public in the performance of their duties.

No way these go anywhere. They're unconstitutional on their face.