Police, Photography and Censorship
In light of the escalating situation in Ferguson, Missouri, where protests and riots are growing over the fatal shooting of an unarmed African-American male by local police, it is important to acknowledge the rights and responsibilities of the media who are there covering the story. There have been many accusations aimed at local police for intimidation, harassment and even assault and arrest of journalists and other bystanders who are legally photographing and filming the events that are taking place.
The following video was made by a journalist with the Washington Post who was arrested after being asked to leave a McDonald's.
Another incident of a news crew being intentionally tear gassed was caught on camera by several other media outlets and images have been circulating widely on the Internet. You can see a full video of that event here.
In a press conference given today, President Obama himself said, "...there's no excuse for police to use excessive force against peaceful protests or to throw protestors in jail for lawfully exercising their First Amendment rights. And here in the United States of America, police should not be bullying or arresting journalists who are just trying to do their jobs and report to the American people on what they see on the ground."
It is important to understand that these rights don't only apply to journalists but to anyone who has a camera, smart phone or other recording device, and is attempting to operate it in accordance with the law. Many photographers today find themselves in situations where they are told to stop making pictures, even when it is perfectly legal to do so. It is each and every photographer's responsibility to know the laws that govern their actions and also what their rights are when photographing in the public domain.
You can download the following .PDF from the American Civil Liberties Union that dictates the rights and restrictions, as well as general guidelines for people using video and photography in public.
Below are some additional articles about photographer's rights.
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