Washington, D.C. Police Affirm Citizens' Right To Record Police Officers

dcsmith writes "Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Chief Cathy Lanier says, 'A bystander has the same right to take photographs or make recordings as a member of the media,' and backs it up with a General Order to her Department. Quoting: The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) recognizes that members of the general public have a First Amendment right to video record, photograph, and/or audio record MPD members while MPD members are conducting official business or while acting in an official capacity in any public space, unless such recordings interfere with police activity.'"

Comments

Re:So, effectively

[TheGratefulNet]

wrong. you, taking this 'new right' as more than a BS talking point, is what is wrong with this country.

the mentality is 'blue has more rights' and that won't change due to this talking point.

as a photographer who keeps up on civil rights clashes with the boys in blue, I am well aware that even stating policy on paper does not change behavior in the field.

at best, this is a 'wink, wink' kind of statement on our right to record.

and of course, your right to record is meaningless if the camera is taken and destroyed. or the card is erased.

thinking anything will change and being happy with that is part of what's wrong with this country. ie, people like you who trust liars.