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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Do police have a right to view your photos
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Showing posts 51 - 62 of 62, (reverse)
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06/13/2006 01:15:12 AM · #51
Realistically, you can talk about your rights all you want, but if it's just you and the cops out there and they want to flex their muscle, who do you think the court is going to believe? Fortunatelly, there are a lot of good cops that are just doing their job and trying to protect people and property. They don't want any hassles or extra paper work either. But there are over worked cops, cops that have had a bad day, a fight with their spouse or boss or something else that causes them to not be in the mood to listen to a somebody that wants to spout out internet forum law at them. And they have a LOT of legal leeway to really ruin your whole day if they want. I'd just as soon not give them a reason too. That doesn't mean I wouldn't press the microphone button on my 1DMKII though to get a sound byte or two. ;)

Mike


06/13/2006 01:22:18 AM · #52
Originally posted by stdavidson:

Originally posted by kirbic:

I was questioned by the Chicago Police Dept. while taking pics near O Hare. I was a bit offended, but kept an upbeat, friendly, but firm attitude. They took personal information and did not allow me to continue shooting, but even gave me a ride back to my vehicle.

Wow... guess you were really lucky they didn't do a criminal background check on you before they let you go. :)

On a serious note, I had the same thing happen to me when taking pictures at my favorite landing approach at Sky Harbor International here in Phoenix. I'm guessing both of us are on somebody's watch list now. LOL!


Last year when driving through New Mexico I stopped and took some refinery pics in Artesia. This place is no-where and it stinks of gas and cows ;). The local cop pulled up and blocked me, telling me to stop. Did not ask for pics but said the refinery will prosecute for taking pics even if on public property. ya right. He also told me that all my info would be turned over to the refinery as well as the US Homeland Security investigators. I feel so priviledged to be amoung the worlds terror suspects ;)
06/13/2006 01:30:50 AM · #53
Originally posted by MikeJ:

Realistically, you can talk about your rights all you want, but if it's just you and the cops out there and they want to flex their muscle, who do you think the court is going to believe? Fortunatelly, there are a lot of good cops that are just doing their job and trying to protect people and property. They don't want any hassles or extra paper work either. But there are over worked cops, cops that have had a bad day, a fight with their spouse or boss or something else that causes them to not be in the mood to listen to a somebody that wants to spout out internet forum law at them. And they have a LOT of legal leeway to really ruin your whole day if they want. I'd just as soon not give them a reason too. That doesn't mean I wouldn't press the microphone button on my 1DMKII though to get a sound byte or two. ;)

Mike


Are there police cars without video cameras these days? From what I know all stops are videotaped these days for the officer's and your protection.
06/13/2006 07:27:37 AM · #54
Originally posted by Megatherian:

Are there police cars without video cameras these days? From what I know all stops are videotaped these days for the officer's and your protection.


I think the cameras are turned on only when they put their lights on....I do not really see them put on their lights when asking questions...just when getting a speeding ticket or such.
06/13/2006 08:01:07 AM · #55
Originally posted by BeeCee:

Originally posted by ellamay:

anyone have similiar canadian versions?


I've searched and can't find anything, but I do know many of the applicable laws are provincial rather than federal. Anyone else have anything for us Canucks?


To answer both your questions they cannot do anything to us (canadians) unless you are tresspassing on private property such as railroad tracks etc. (as I have found out). They have NO right to ask to see your photo and/or for you to delete them. Certain parts in/around Toronto you will need a photography permit but thats only for professional shoots such as weddings etc. The cops in Canada are not as anal as they are in the states but thats only because of the terrorist activity/threat down there.
06/13/2006 01:14:18 PM · #56
Originally posted by notonline:

Originally posted by BeeCee:

Originally posted by ellamay:

anyone have similiar canadian versions?


I've searched and can't find anything, but I do know many of the applicable laws are provincial rather than federal. Anyone else have anything for us Canucks?


To answer both your questions they cannot do anything to us (canadians) unless you are tresspassing on private property such as railroad tracks etc. (as I have found out). They have NO right to ask to see your photo and/or for you to delete them. Certain parts in/around Toronto you will need a photography permit but thats only for professional shoots such as weddings etc. The cops in Canada are not as anal as they are in the states but thats only because of the terrorist activity/threat down there.


yes, lets all be VERY thankful they didn't blow up the 3 tons of fertilizer there and behead your prime minister. I can't even imagine if that had succeeded...
06/13/2006 01:35:11 PM · #57
Originally posted by notonline:

Certain parts in/around Toronto you will need a photography permit but thats only for professional shoots such as weddings etc.


Unless it's a DPC GTG at Guildwood Park! :P
06/13/2006 02:10:01 PM · #58
I was in El Salvador with a camera, and I was informed that if you take photographs of any government security personell, they would confiscate your camera. That's the law there, and they're armed with asault weapons and shotguns, and are probably grumpy.

Just be carefull if you are out of the country and be aware of photography related laws there.

just my $0.02 US
06/14/2006 07:35:01 AM · #59
Originally posted by Megatherian:

yes, lets all be VERY thankful they didn't blow up the 3 tons of fertilizer there and behead your prime minister. I can't even imagine if that had succeeded...


lol our PM is a dick anyway but I could give them a list of names they shoulda hit instead. Believe it or not aside from the WTC they should have gone after the postal service. As slow as it is (refering to the USPS) it is the MOST important service.
06/14/2006 07:59:35 AM · #60
Like any profession, the police have good guys and bad ones.

I live in an area with more law enforcement per square inch than just about anywhere else in the US. The level of regulation in DC is scary. I kid you not, you can be standing in one spot and be under jurisdiction of Supreme Court Police, move 10 feet and be under Capitol Police jurisdiction, and move another 10 feet and be under DC Metro PD.

That doesn't include the rent-a-cops. All the rent-a-cops have various local and federal cops as backup. In my time I have found it is NEVER worth it to get into a confrontation with police. In the long run, I'll usually win. Short run they have the ability to make my day very unpleasent.

My operating rules are

1) Know who's incharge where. Knowing which agency I'll be working with means I can be alert to officers and change my approach. Capitol Police and Park Police are the easiest to deal with since they spend a good bit of time dealing with tourists.

2) Ask. I always make a point of asking whoever is guarding place X if I'm allowed to photograph. If I'm told no, I ask why. Usually it's a "professional photographer" restriction. I point out I'm not a pro shooting for profit. That's gotten me past several problems. It also makes me awares of things that will cause issues. I've learned to wait until I pass security barriers before I shoot. :) So long as I don't shoot the actual security gates in many areas I'm usually cool.

3) Know where the property line is. Remember airports often own the land farther out from the airport. If you are on airport owned property they can toss you off. Know where your boundaries are. This is also good for knowing who's jurisdiction you are in if you live in DC. ;)

4) Weigh the value of the confrontation. Do you have the time to go 15 rounds with someone who is keyed up for a confrontation. Remember, when you are approached by law enforcement they are mentally prepped for a confrontation with you. If the situation starts to escelate- ask if it's worth it now to get into a fight with the officer. In many cases the answer is no.

5) Smile. Cops are human. Most of them do not want to be jerks. You'll get further being polite. :)

06/22/2006 01:34:28 PM · #61
There was an article in the July issue of popular photography titled "War on photographers". It was quite interesting. I wondered how many people have been treated like terrorists because they were taking pictures.
06/22/2006 01:52:43 PM · #62
taking photos in stores is up to the store owner. They do not know who you are. You could be the guy from the competitors shop taking photos of stock and prices. Also customer privacy is an issue. I know if I was buying a box of tampons for my wife I wouldnt want to log on to DP and see my likeness submitted in a challenge.

A certain amount of respect should be given by the photographer in those situations.

as far as the topic of this thread. I believe the cops should not be able to look at your photos with out a warrant.

unless you are that guy in Waukesha Wisconsin that has been taking photos with his cell phone up the skirts of young women and girls.

in a case like that they should be able to use prob cause because the guy was caught red handed.


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