Is it legal to film a cop?

trooper3316

It depends on several factors.

The officer would have to be in a place where there is no expectation of privacy. In addition, the filming can not interfere or distract him while he is performing his duties.

The persons who filmed police actions as early as Rodney King and as recently as Oscar Grant were not found in violation of any laws.

Turok ESPN McPepsi

In the United States, on public property, it is legal to film everyone, and everything. On private property, not necessarily. In other countries, it is often illegal. It is illegal in France, for example.

Police don't actually have any rights which are different from other citizens, particularly when it comes to privacy.

ec911dude

Generally you can film anything you can see in public, including cops doing their jobs. The only time you'll be stopped is if the extent to which you go to get that film in some way interferes with the cop doing his or her job. How close would you try to get? Are you verbally interfering? Are you putting anyone at risk by doing so, ie holding up traffic and preventing his backup from arriving?

You can film what you can see in public and NO you don't need their "permission." You need permission to make money off the images or likenesses of someone. In otherwords you can't walk up to me on the street, take a picture of me because I'm smoking hot handsome ;) and then plaster my image on your billboards to sell your product. You would have to have my permission.

But if you're filming me doing my job and not interfering with the performance of that job... welcome to America and enjoy your 1st Amendment right to do so.

sammysosa

same conditions as any other person - with their permission then yes.

nothing to see here, move along!

It is until they see you, taze your ***, take your camera and make sure you never do it again.

evaaan!!

It depends on where you live. Some countries don't allow you to film cops.

cerbphan

Of course it is... It is legal to film anyone in the street

corpseman

Absolutely. The only time it may come into question is if you are on private property, say Wal-Mart, where they may not allow videotaping of any kind. But to walk up to a cop on the street and tape them while they are doing a traffic stop is perfectly fine, even if they tell you to stop. Some areas make it to where you have to notify an individual that you are recording them, due to eavesdropping laws. Just very politely say that you are recording them on video and sound and that you are just checking them out. They shouldn't have a problem. They're public officials and you have every right to. I encourage you to, so that the police know that they are on film and will think twice before any wrongdoing on their part.

Deputyette

I wouldnt suggest doing it .

mak

don't think so. you can't film anybody without his/her permission

from your property yes.
if you in public property you need a permit.

Aaron H

Yes. Any pissant city law that criminalizes it would be struck down if you pursued it in a higher court. Its your civic duty to do so.

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