Pixiq

"If you read the examples given, you'll see that, when mentioned, photography is part of a total picture, that when taken all together may be considered "unusual activity". They also include other indications, such as the taking of notes or suspicious questions."

Note Taking by photographers is normal activity. Fine Art Photographers and Photojournalists make copious notes about the photos they are taking. Lots of people ask questions to learn about all kinds of things.

""And, though some suspicious activity can only be identified either by observation over a period of time and/or through logically considering the "totality of conduct," sometimes immediate action is called for. If, for example, a person is seen entering a potential terrorist target through a hole in a security fence, and placing a package inside the facility, you should rightfully call law enforcement authorities on 911, or the Coast Guard on Marine Channel 16.""

No photography involved in this. Yes if someone is placing a package next to a bridge pin that's something that's suspicious and that should be reported. Also someone dumping garbage should be reported. Again that's not about photography at all.

"Here is the complete first paragraph from the web site, including the out-of-context sentence:

I don't believe you read the part above that paragraph where they definitely state that taking photographs is suspicious.

This is another scare website that paints photography in and of itself as something to look out for. Every one of the 'situations' they discuss on that web page are normal everyday behaviour by non-snapshot photographers. From note taking to repeatedly take a photograph or video of the same thing. Also trying to take a photo of a commuter train and freight train that pass each other on a bridge at a particular time every day is something that a rail fan would do.

"In fairness, if you read the full text of the page linked, you'll find that the article does NOT simply state that photography is suspicious, or even photography of certain objects or places is suspicious."

Then explain this.

"This effort is in the wake of a recently increased security posture taken nationwide and expands on the Department of Homeland Security’s existing “If You See Something, Say Something” campaign to increase awareness and reporting of terrorism and violent crime.

A release from the Coast Guard asks local mariners and anyone who lives, works or engages in recreational activities around local waterways, to report to local law enforcement agencies if any suspicious activities are observed, including but not limited to:

*Suspicious waterfront loitering or forcible access.

*Persons photographing, taping or sketching.

*Boaters seeming to be forcibly controlled.

*Liquids being poured into reservoirs.

*Apparently dangerous loads and/or cargoes.

*Items that appear to be weapons or explosives.

*Diving operations near critical infrastructure or protection zones.

America’s Waterway Watch (AWW) is a public outreach program that encourages participants to report suspicious activity to the Coast Guard and/or other law enforcement agencies."

http://www.pacificnewscenter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=artic...

How most people will read the Coast Guard site, these are direct quotes; and how it's designed to be read is:

"What is "Suspicious Activity?"

"Am I witnessing a threat or a crime?"

"UNUSUAL OPERATION OF A SMALL BOAT, ACCOMPANIED BY VIDEO TAPING OR STILL PHOTOGRAPHY"

"PEOPLE TAKING STILL PHOTOGRAPHS OR VIDEO TAPING FROM THE SHORE"

"PERSON ENGAGED IN SURVEILLANCE"

That's all most people are going to come away from that site with. The time an average person spends on a website is between 30 seconds and 1 minute.

All of the behaviour cited on that website that involves photography in any way has a much more logical explanation then someone that's engaged in terrorism.

I'm guessing that you have never been questioned, harassed, detained or arrested just because you happen to have a camera in your hand or on a tripod and you are photographing some infrastructure that someone has decided needs to be protected from you capturing it's reflection just becuase we can't be too careful with 911 and all.