This is somewhat funny :D Police Brutality...

These guys are making a full-out movie on this topic.

Check it out Man Vs Pig

That makes me wonder, does the "10 legal commandements of photography" apply to videography too?

Lol, who knows.I'm sure they go hand it hand in someway.However some of the comments these guys are making at the cops I don't think it takes a genius to figure out that it does inflame the officers. In one of the scenes I felt like they were asking for it,but from what I read they have a lot of supporters in reference to their cause.

The police have many difficult people to deal with, so let's support them instead of hindering them in the job they are trying to do.

David

Woodworker wrote in post #12604040
The police have many difficult people to deal with, so let's support them instead of hindering them in the job they are trying to do.

David

Well said.

Seems the FTP attitude that I see so prevelent in the sportbike world also is extending to the photography world.

Yes there are some bad cops, but there are people who go out of their way to escalate the problem when they encounter a cop then **** and moan after they push it to far and end up in cuffs with a DC charge or worse.

Woodworker wrote in post #12604040
The police have many difficult people to deal with, so let's support them instead of hindering them in the job they are trying to do.

David

I think there's a world of difference between the UK and American police.


That said, the police should respect the rule of law. If standing on a public sidewalk while filming is legal, then that's it. Leave the person alone.

If the videographer does, in fact, break the law, bust him.

Let the cops bust them up and let them get paid. Creativity makes you money lol.

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #12605342
I think there's a world of difference between the UK and American police.

I can accept that is probably still largely true but there is a growing loutish element in our society who enjoy antagonising the police with the effect of causing the officers on the streets to crack down harder.

I'm old enough to recall when it was possible to walk along Downing Street from Whitehall and even be photographed outside the door of Number 10. Any of you who've been there will know there are big gates at the end of Downing Street and policemen with automatic rifles.

I'm not suggesting that all police officers are saints but I believe the majority join to do a decent job but, being human, they can only take so much abuse without blowing a fuse.

I wouldn't do anything as foolhardy as photographing a police station and, if I wished to take pictures in a shopping mall or railway station, I'd be quite happy to seek permission beforehand.

David

You lose all credibility when you name your movie "Man vs. Pig" The fact of the matter is that the large percentage of police officers uphold the law and do a very difficult job every day. Its the same thing with Carlos Miller's website. Many of the articles on there are examples of police breaking the law or overstepping their authority, and its good for the people, who's rights have been violated, to be supported by the masses. However, there are also many articles that simply come off as police bashing propaganda, which discredits all of the good that they do.

A little common sense and courtesy goes a long way. It doesn't matter if you are within your rights or not, if you get carted off to jail your day of shooting is ruined, whether the cop ends up suspended or not. Why not just avoid that by being courteous and explaining politely to the police officer what you are doing and what your intentions are. (yes this may not always work, but its a nice start and only strengthens your case should they proceed to violate your rights )

MikeFairbanks wrote in post #12605342
I think there's a world of difference between the UK and American police.


That said, the police should respect the rule of law. If standing on a public sidewalk while filming is legal, then that's it. Leave the person alone.

If the videographer does, in fact, break the law, bust him.

+1 on this, although I recognize as well the obvious intent of some to provoke a situation.

There is a situation brewing though. Revolution is taking hold all over the world, and police officers are deployed as a physical barrier between the leadership and those in numbers who are repeatedly disagreeing. Add in the irritation of time consuming checkpoints, questionable raids and other BS that barely ride the line of the 4th amendment, sometimes only to justify the expense of these specialized teams, people will start to scrutinize police as a whole. Are you working for the money addicts or for the people?

**edit to ad: Footage like that doesn't really help anyone though. It's kind of rude from a human to human standpoint.

Moderator admonition. Do not stray into the realm of politics or the thread will be closed.

Eiro wrote in post #12601076
These guys are making a full-out movie on this topic. Check it out Man Vs Pig

Having come across these guys in Miami I can assure you they go out of their way to cause problems and damage our long worked hard for and established police / media relations than I care to talk about.

Per the mods request I am not going to go into the local politics involved, but I can assure you the intent behind their actions has nothing to do with photographers rights and everything to do with local politics, and while they act like they are only concerned with “exposing” abuses of power that is far from their real cause.

Wayne

^ I believe it. How else would you collect all that negative footage? They're like police magnets. I can't say I've been that close to that many police officers in all my aware life.

I'm sensing a theme with the OP...he/she seems to post about the same thing continually...must have a problem dealing with authority or the rule of law. Yes, there are overzealous police...there are also just as many stupid photographer/lawyer wannabes that make it difficult for the rest of us.

Lazy journalism, and that's stretching the word journalism. Anybody can go around "looking for trouble" while carrying a camera. We, the viewers, don't even get to see what precipitated the police encounter in the first place.
I could do a piece on people sticking their hands in front of poisonous snakes and getting bit. I suppose then I could show the world how evil the snakes are.