It it legal to video tape police when they are "doing their job", like pulling cars over?

Question

Or, like when arriving on a scene of a disturbance, or any tther time while they are on duty?
I was thinking of how we have one cop here, he beat up my son just because a young woman said he tried to attack mher, even tho he was no where near her. But the cop pulled him from his friends car, and beat on him, while 2 other cops took his friend and arrested him. My son was not arrested, just beaten. He now has a court date in 2 weeks. I was trhinking of having a vid cam ready whenever I see this guy.

Answer 1

Yes, you can video tape anything you want to, and if the officer is breaking the law, he needs off the streets, even more so as a criminal. He is suppose to protect us, and here he is beating your son. I'm so sorry. Good luck.

Answer 2

As long as you don't interfere with their official duties (and eating at Dunkin Donuts is NOT an official duty), then you are free to video tape anything that is public. Police Officers have no expectation of privacy in the course of their official duties (meaning you cannot videotape them while they are pinching a loaf). You can also record a stop. (they do).

Copwatch videotapes cops all of the time. Especially ones that have numerous complaints against them. (they have a watch list). Like anything else in our society, cops are subject to the 5/95 rule (5% of the cops commit 95% of the violations).

Answer 3

For now, we live in a free country, with a free press. You can videotape a cop anytime, as long as you are not on their property, which would be the precinct, or their personal house. Now if you follow a particular cop around, so as to gather clips as "evidence" or whatever, or a summary of their overall performance habits, that may be considered stalking. Anyway, if your camera has a zoom, you may be able to videotape from hundreds of feet away, difficult for a laywer to call that stalking if you are so far away. Anyway, a lawyer can also help you in this case, by looking up the cop's history and seeing if there are any prior incidents.

Answer 4

I couldn't tell you with a 100% certainty, but I would have to say "yes" as long as you're taping in the public domain. That should be your right, as it would be with the press.

And don't forget that police officers aren't immune from the law. Document any hospital services (doing so does more than assess damage, it also gives you a time stamp). Consult a lawyer and gather written testimonies of your son's friends including any other witnesses at the scene.

Answer 5

Laws vary by state.

If you are attempting to harass, annoy or interfere with his duties, it would probably be unlawful.

And, since he would be the person to determine if your actions fit those categories, you would likely be arrested. You would probably be acquitted, if it even came to trial, but you cannot beat the ride.

I would be very careful about doing what you suggest, and would try to have someone with me as a witness.

Answer 6

As long as you are not interfering with the officer's job you are ok. Keep in mind there are state and federal laws regarding audio though. For example you would not be able to secretly record the officer's voice in most circumstances, but that varies from state to state as well.

Answer 7

America is free country,you are are fee to do anything,as long as ones never against the law,I also agreed with MR BUSH MAN

Answer 8

It is legal to video tape anyone. This is how the Rodney King case was brought to light.

Answer 9

Hello my friend,

According to me it is illegal to video tape of the police while they r in duty and the people who shoot the video do not get the permission from the police to shoot the tape,they shoot it secretly.

Answer 10

Hmmm you son is a trouble maker and you blame the law .what you gonna do when he kills someone
did you consider that your son needs some discipline