Ok, so if I was video tapeing a fight and the cops came and i kept video tapeing how much trouble would i get into? What would be the consiquinces?
2007-01-07 12:26:01 · 13 answers · asked by rob 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
Tom Green did that kind of stuff all the time... They will probably just want the tape?
2007-01-07 12:35:42 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes I wonder where people get their information.
Here is the word from a cop's mouth.
The police DO NOT need a warrant to seize the videotape unless some level of entry into something is required (such as you lock the tape inside a locked box or locker, in which case the police may have to freeze and secure that box pending a warrant). Warrants relate to searches, not seizures. If you are seen videotaping a crime and the police are aware of the tape, they are going to seize it. We do it on a regular basis where I work. Seizure can legally occur on the spot because the evidence on the tape can be erased or deleted in a matter of seconds. Police have the authority to seize that piece of evidence to ensure that it is not destroyed.
Now, when it comes to viewing the tape, the courts have held that viewing the contents of a tape (or digital recording) is a type of search. A warrant or consent may be legally required to view the contents of a tape.
You will likely no get into any trouble for taping a fight (unless your state has a law against this action) but you will likely lose your tape and possibly your recorded pending disposition of the case.
2007-01-07 23:02:22 · answer #2 · answered by James P 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you were involved in the altercation, and the fight was staged for the purpose of video tapping you might have a problem. But, if is was a fight that just broke out and you just happen to catch it on tape, you've done nothing illegal although the police can confiscate the video for evidence, and/or the video could be supeona'ed, Duces Tecum, by one of the attorneys in the case if it went to Court.
Hope that helps, GOD BLESS/GOOD LUCK!
2007-01-07 21:17:32 · answer #3 · answered by Chuck-the-Duck 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The tape will be confiscated as evidence. Any additional consequences depend of how you are related to the people fighting. If you come across a fight, call the police, and start taping, you are fine. If you helped stage the fight, you face the same charges as the fighters.
2007-01-07 20:36:45 · answer #4 · answered by STEVEN F 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In Canada, if the fight is consensual and is not causing a disturbance, it is not against the law. Video taping it wouldn't be either.
(PS. You should spend more time on spelling at school and less video taping)
2007-01-08 01:54:00 · answer #5 · answered by joeanonymous 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Believe me if they want it they are going to take it as evidence. They may be in violation of your rights for taking the tape but they will be able to use it against the fighters because they have no expectation of privacy while a fight is going on.
2007-01-07 21:04:20 · answer #6 · answered by The Cleaner 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its in the open public, then the cops have no say so, and if they say they have to confiscate it, they need a warrant. I do some side work as a PI and believe me I know the laws concerning pulic recordings.(video, photos, tape recorders). Love the show Cheaters.
2007-01-07 20:51:35 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
they can't take the tape without a warrant, and anything in public view may be filmed as long as you want too.
2007-01-07 21:44:02 · answer #8 · answered by sikn_shadow_420 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
in most cases they will take the tape and use it as evidence if chargers are pressed, but nothing is really gonna happen to you.
2007-01-08 19:05:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Can I see it?
2007-01-08 08:20:15 · answer #10 · answered by laney 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋