Comments on: 5 Things Photographers Should Do When Confronted by Police

By: santa

santa — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 16:36:51 +0000

what horrible advice. if everyone did this, police would feel free to continue to order people to not take photographs. unless people do stand up to the police and refuse to stop taking photographs, there will be no end to this stupidity. Be polite but refuse to stop. If you with your family on vacation I totally “get” the need to submit, but local photographers in particular need to stand firm and fight it if they possibly can do so.

By: Breakabout

Breakabout — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 07:31:24 +0000

Keeping your cool and being polite is always very good advice when dealing with police. However, you do have to draw the line someplace. While many cops are nice people, there is a certain element that are bullies. I have been a party to, or know if incidents, where cops not only demanded that the picture taking stop, but also wanted me to surrender my film/cards or wipe them clean in their presence.
Be polite, but when it comes to the point of having or rights abridged, stand your ground. You’re unlikely to spend any time in jail – the last thing a bully, or just a cop who isn’t sure of himself, wants is to have to arrest you. Try demanding they arrest you and see how fast they back down. (Of course, you better be certain you are within your rights.)
If you keep backing down, it only validates the cop’s incorrect assumptions and actions. And for that, the next photographer they meet is not going to thank you.

By: Seattle man jailed for taking photos of police arrest awarded $8,000 | Photography Bay

Tue, 13 Nov 2007 21:56:54 +0000

[...] Also, consider this post on 5 Things Photographers Should Do When Confronted by the Police. [...]

By: Single-Serving Photo » Blog Archive » Confronting Authority

Single-Serving Photo » Blog Archive » Confronting Authority — Thu, 18 Oct 2007 12:36:56 +0000

[...] Yesterday, I ran across this article, 5 Things Photographers Should Do When Confronted By Police. It contains some helpful tips and might be useful to you in your travels. [...]

By: Moewes.com » links for 2007-10-10

Moewes.com » links for 2007-10-10 — Wed, 10 Oct 2007 13:21:01 +0000

[...] 5 Things Photographers Should Do When Confronted by Police | Photography Bay (tags: photography) [...]

By: Photographer vs. Soccer Mom | Photography Bay

Photographer vs. Soccer Mom | Photography Bay — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 12:00:30 +0000

[...] This is a probably a good time to plug my post: 5 Things You Should Do When Confronted By Police. [...]

By: Saturday Link Lovin’ and Photo Highlights - Sept. 15, 2007 | Sublime Light

Sat, 15 Sep 2007 05:02:51 +0000

[...] 5 Things Photographers Should Do When Confronted by Police – Many photographers have been confronted by police for simply taking pictures. It’s happened to me and I can tell you from personal experience that these tips are sure fire winners. [...]

By: Eric

Eric — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 01:03:51 +0000

Bob and Rahim,

I’m inclined to agree with you to a point. My question to you, however, is are you willing to go to jail for “standing your ground”? Is it worth it?

It’s not worth going to jail for me. Personally, I would probably debate the point with the officer (politely, as Bob says); however, I’m not going to stand my ground in the face of going to jail. That’s where I think #5 is the better route to take.

Rahim, makes an excellent point about having official documents that state the policy of the particular agency that you might encounter. I think that’s a great proactive way to stay ahead of the game.

Thanks for the posts guys. These are excellent points that you raise. I’ll be delighted to hear any additional thoughts that you have.

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 23:03:51 +0000

Bob and Rahim,

I\'m inclined to agree with you to a point. My question to you, however, is are you willing to go to jail for \"standing your ground\"? Is it worth it?

It\'s not worth going to jail for me. Personally, I would probably debate the point with the officer (politely, as Bob says); however, I\'m not going to stand my ground in the face of going to jail. That\'s where I think #5 is the better route to take.

Rahim, makes an excellent point about having official documents that state the policy of the particular agency that you might encounter. I think that\'s a great proactive way to stay ahead of the game.

Thanks for the posts guys. These are excellent points that you raise. I\'ll be delighted to hear any additional thoughts that you have.

By: Rahim

Rahim — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 18:29:37 +0000

I have to respectfully disagree with #4. I live in chicago and since I’ve moved here (2+ years) I ‘ve had CTA/CPD tell me photography in Chicago subways is not allowed which is totally incorrect. When I get CTA/CPD personell tell me its not allowed I’m respectful but I let them know they are incorrect and have a printed copy of the CTA document that says so. My rights are just that, mine. Im not going to be like a sheep and let anyone take them from me.