Is it illegal to film The police in certain places?

Some people are under the misconception that it’s illegal to film the police in certain places. That is patently false. You have the right to video record anything in public in any geographical location. Restrictions related to the recording of police employees (and others) are related to the capturing of audio.

Can a police officer tell you to stop interfering with film?

Officers do have a right to tell you to stop interfering with their work, Burton told me, but they still aren’t allowed to destroy film. Yet still some officers do.

Can You film a police officer without getting arrested?

If a police officer tells you to get back, then you are best off getting back. You don’t want to risk getting arrested for obstructing justice. You can still film from pretty far away these days. So you want to find an equal balance between staying out of the way, but still filming.

What constitutes obstruction of Justice?

Likewise, any attempt to influence or intimidate a witness will usually be found to be obstruction of justice. Indeed, even an attempt to induce a witness to be unavailable to testify–for example, giving him a one-way ticket to Aruba just before the trial–could be obstruction.

Is it legal to record the police in the US?

The law in 38 states plainly allows citizens to record police, as long as you don’t physically interfere with their work. Police might still unfairly harass you, detain you, or confiscate your camera. They might even arrest you for some catchall misdemeanor such as obstruction of justice or disorderly conduct.

Can a law enforcement officer commit a crime while on duty?

A law enforcement officer may not commit a crime while on duty or off duty. In either case, the law holds the officer accountable for his or her actions. Police officers who commit crimes face the same criminal penalties as other citizens.

Do you have a right to videotape a police officer?

Prior to the settlement, the First Circuit Court of Appeals unanimously ruled that Glik had a “constitutionally protected right to videotape police carrying out their duties in public.” The Boston Police Department now explicitly instructs its officers not to arrest citizens openly recording them in public.