Taking pictures on Post...?

Question

I know you arent allowed to take pictures of military training, vehicles, equipment etc. But today I went to the park here on post and was taking nature pictures, of the leaves changing colors and a few squirrel. I wasnt anywhere near any military equipment or anything, it was in a park. Well the m.p.'s were riding around the park and saw me. They pulled over with lights going and the whole nine yards. They asked what I was doing with a camera, I said umm taking pictures of treesand wildlife. They said I wasnt allowed and confiscated my camera, Im so upset my hubby bought me that camera for my birthday when he came home on r&r in april. I asked if there was a way I could get it back and they said no they were going to destroy it. Is there anyway I can get it back, photography is my hobby and keeps my mind off of this deployment. I went to the MP station andthey said that I was lucky I didnt get fined.

Because army I want my camera back, I guess the M.P.'s here have nothing better to do

they can delete the pictures i dont care, they were just leaves turning colors and squirrels

If I knew taking pictures of trees was illegal I would have never done it

I have been an army wife 14 years and know better then to take pics of things I shouldnt. There were no signs posted in the park saying not to take pictures, Its a digital camera and i showed the M.P.'s that i had 6 pictures of trees and a squirrel, i even said i would delete them, but that wasnt good enough for him. I got paper work and their names. Im so upset I cant stop crying, I just figured since it was a park, with nothing around it but trees and a pond, that taking pictures of leaves and wildlife wouldnt matter. No one would even know where the pictures were taken unless I told them, there was nothing distinguishing that it was even taken on post.

Annie there was nothing at all in the general area...theres a cemtery and a main road (civilian road that butts up to the park) the park is on post in the middle of no where, We are stationed at fort drum

Answer 1

Go to the the MP station and talk to the desk sergeant and tell them what happen and ask for it back. If that does not work ask to talk to the provost Marshal. He should clear it up. If you did not get a receipt from them or at least there names you are screwed. If that does not work go to IG and file a complaint. the should not have taken you camera in the first place and if they did not give you a receipt the basically just stole it. If they did not ask for you ID or any other info you just got had. You are mot allowed to take pictures of specific things on post and if it was not a digital camera they are only authorized to take the film and escort you off post if you do not belong. if it was digital they can only insure you delete the unauthorized photos. If you were in a specific area that said no photos you are lucky you did not get fined. You can take it up with you husbands chain of command and work it that way. You need to ask them to show you where it says in writing that you can not take pictures in a park or in non sensitive areas and that you equipment will be taken. In any case they have to give you some kind of receipt of taking it. Go to the JAG office and talk to them.

Answer 2

I am going to suggest that there must be something in the general location (even if only in transport) that they were worried you would get in the frame. We lived in Japan and there were static displays of aircraft in the flag circle on the base. People loved to photograph them for memory books or holiday cards. However, the cirlce was directly across from the wing building for the Japanese Air Defense force. Depending on who was coming and going, you could get your film and/or camera confiscated if you were there at the wrong time. Of course there was no way to know as the military was not about to advertise the limitations...you just had to be careful. I would certainly contact the command for your husband's office/unit and see if they can at least get the camera back. Tell them they can keep the memory card if it is digital or the film...that what you really want is the camera. I would also call the MP desk again and speak to the shift supervisor.

Answer 3

That's a load of crap. You were in a PARK!! I'm sure they wouldn't have confiscated the camera of a mother and/or father taking pictures of their children.

See - I can understand them asking you to delete the pictures and be on your way but, confiscating your camera and for them to say that they're not going to give it back b/c they're going to destroy it all over a few wildlife pictures, just isn't right. Get in contact with their supervisor or their commanding officer, and also tell your husband about the situation. If nothing gets done, take it up through the Chain of Command.

You were doing an innocent artsy hobby, not causing any damage, and therefore, you deserve to get your camera back. If they do destroy your camera, if I were you...I'd ask for a check for compensation on the price of the camera.

This is why we all hate the "authority blazing" cops.

Answer 4

They can confiscate your film and all film in your possession if its an old school type of camera. If its a digital camera they can confiscate it, I hope you signed a dd form 4137 for the camera and all items secured by the MP's? what is usually done is the film is processed and determined if there were any pics of sensitive items then all pics of squirrels and leaves would be returned. I wonder what post your at? to further this call the MP Station and get in contact with watch commander or the operations Sgt and go from there.

Answer 5

The MP probably needed a new camera!

The incident should be listed in their log..Call the DESK SERGEANT. not the CO. The desk sgt HAS to record all calls, so call him and tell him what happened and when it happened and ask him to look it up in the log. Then, tell him you wnt the confiscated item returned to you and take it from there.

PS. you might want to start by finding out if they CAN confiscate the camera. it outrages people, so they want to say they CANT take it...but they may very well be allowed to...thats why I say start with the desk sgt. Id hate for you to go directly to the CO and find out that they CAN confiscate the camera. It doesnt make sense.. But if it is legitimately a security issue, then they probably can.

Answer 6

They should have filled out a report and given you a citation for and equipment confiscation form, something they all have to carry around with them at all time. They have to keep the camera in a locker for legal reasons and until you are in a military court in front of a judge they have to keep it as evidence.

If I were you I would file a grievance with the OD (Officer of the Day) this is the post commanding officer and have him review the pictures on the camera. If no pictures of equipment or troop movements are found in the camera then you can file a formal complaint against the MPs that took your camera and have them brought up on charges of abuse of power and thief.

Answer 7

frankly, the m.p's are wrong. i would talk to an attorney because
according to your statement, you weren't taking pictures of anything classified ( secret squirrel anyone???) and have the case reviewed by the jag through your lawyer.frankly most vehicles are ok to photograph,since the information on them is public anyways. as long as you had no classified data on the camera they will have to return the camera,and i would consider bringing a case against the m.p that confiscated ( illegally ) your belongings,and the m.p commander

Answer 8

When I first enlisted, they put me on an ammunition supply ship. Everything was over the top there. Photography was an absolute no-no. I think the MPs may have been a little over the top -- I don't know, I wasn't there. You should go back over to the MP Station and ask to speak top the OIC. Take it up the chain. I once had the CG over as a guest -- the CO was NOT thrilled (I utilized my chain and she didn't take me seriously -- the CG and I were old acquaintances from years prior).

Answer 9

The M.P.s have No right to keep your camera.

They have the right to see the pictures and remove the film.

If there is nothing on the film thats regarded as being of help to an enemy the negatives should be returned.

The concern is that even non military items such as the layout of the base will be of help to plan a terror attack.

Before any "Fine" can be given you have to be charged with an offence.

They are only wanna be cops not the freaking Gestapo.

Answer 10

Go to the post commander an a jag officer an tell them how the mp's treated you an i bet they wish they would have not took your camera