Pixiq

This is a great idea. I watched that first video they were using as an example and now I’ve gotta take another blood pressure pill!!

I have to take a break from photographing and talking to cops because i severely messed up my ankle, crutches aren’t conducive to taking steady shots

My friend and I have been on a mission for years to police the police. The above the law attitudes of law enforcement is to much for us to take. The sick thing is most of our citizenry accept it. In my confrontations these idiot cops don’t even know how to deal with it. As much as they try to flex when they realize that I/we know our rights they run like scared dogs. I want to keep them running. Nobody is above the law.

Well Matt, the exact problem is that some of them WON’T run when they know you understand your rights. That’s when SOME (I’m not condemning all cops here) will break out the night sticks, tasers and pepper spray and go to work on the “offender”.

BTW, I’d like to sweeten the pot on this deal. There needs to be some prize for 2nd & 3rd place in this contest. Carlos, do you have a contact with Cop Block for me?

@Carlos – Thanks again for offering your time to be a judge and posting this story, much appreciated.

@Rusty Carr; feel free to contact us at copblock[at]gmail[dot]com. We’d be honored if you choose to sweeten the deal… thanks a bunch. Looking forward to connecting with you.

But if you’re hassled, they’ll make your story more interesting
Agent Freeman´s last blog ..By: Tweets that mention Another fat cop on flag duty, State Street « The Freeman Times — Topsy.com

Carlos-

Your picture is being used without any credit attribution.

http://trueslant.com/steveweinberg/2010/05/20/police-on-the-streets-with...

I do have one concern about this. Perhaps better asked at copblock (or at my lawyer’s office, lol).

But with respect to video taping (vs still photography), aren’t there rules about audio recording (two party states vs. one party states)?

I am not trying to be trollbait here, but since I live in a so-called “two party state”, am I not leaving myself vulnerable if I am filming, for example, and a cop effectively doesn’t give me permission to record his voice? Wether or not it’s an arrest-able offense (I’m thinking of the motorcyclist in Maryland with a helmet cam recently) may be up for debate, but what about civil proceedings?

With still photography, there is no voice recording, and we know that photography in public places is supposed to be legal, so in theory you might have less chance of running into problems.

Again, I’m just asking. Not looking for legal advice, of course, just wondering how effective those of us living in two-party states might be if there’s a chance of putting ourselves in legal peril. That said, don’t think I’m a pu$$y and won’t take one for the team if I am wronged. I’m more concerned about being unarmed (intellectually) and setting out to try and help the cause, but end up giving it a bad name.

PS: Since this is my first comment here, I just want to take this opportunity to say: Carlos, you rock! You, sir, are a man among men. Thank you for doing what you do.

Matt’s Friend, good concern, this is in no way legal advise and i’m not sure the last time it was updated.

But its a start as to state by state laws, although you will need to check with your lawyer to make sure that these are the current laws in you state. I hope it helps.

http://www.rcfp.org/taping/states.html

I’m fairly sure that in the People’s Republic of California the videographer must INFORM the subject when an audio channel is open.

Matt, at CopBlock we hope those who want to will check the law. Me personally could care less, as when I film police they’re in public space with no reasonable expectation of privacy. Not to mention most of them are wearing mics for their videos… also these people are paid for by tax dollars and in my eyes have given up their right to refuse filming, just as you and I have given up (allegedly) the right to withdraw our funds from providing for them.
Adam´s last blog ..What Do Police Fear?

Thanks to a commenter on this post the contest has been updated and improved!!!

http://www.copblock.org/200dollars/
Adam´s last blog ..What Do Police Fear?

Adam:

Thanks so much for your reply.

If I had taken the time to write a tl;dr I would have simply said “check your local laws.” And you make your point about taxpayer-funded police video/audio equipment more lucidly and succinctly than I ever could.

Please don’t think I was suggesting this was a Bad Idea. I am with you 100% on this. As one who has “been there, done that” as far as run ins with the BiB go, I know their game. Personally, I think we have much bigger goals in mind here than getting himmed up on an illegal wiretapping, no, make that “contempt of cop”, charge would allow us to achieve.

@Matt’s Friend.. I didn’t take it personal and I should of been clearer in the post. I agree with your points and was just trying to clarify for those reading along.
Adam´s last blog ..What Do Police Fear?

Following the lead of CopBlock.org, The Porcupine Picayune will be offering at least a $100 Cash Prize for a winning video of Boise Police Officers performing their duties.

The Porcupine Picayune challenges bloggers across America to offer similar contests in their communities over the course of this summer.

Technical details and the Nitty-Gritty of the Picayune’s Boise Police Video Contest will be announced in the coming days.
Porcupine Picayune´s last blog ..Earn $100 – At Least – For Filming Cops… In Boise!

Porcupine,
Too bad you weren’t around a few years ago, when I was living in Boise. I lived in the big green house on Federal Way, next to the Ralfroy. We had the cops over there all the time. Oddly enough, nobody ever got a ticket. There was a public nuisance ticket taped to the front door when I came home from work once though. It didn’t have anyone’s name on it, just our address. I guess our house was a public nuisance.
Careful out there. I’ve heard that the Boise cops have gotten even more trigger happy since then.

Scott,

Fortunately, Idaho Law is on our side as far as recording the cops is concerned.

AND, I even managed to get the Boise Police Department to issue a statement that includes the words : “Officers are very aware that any of these contacts may be photographed, videotaped, or otherwise documented”

You can read their entire statement @ http://www.porcupinepicayune.com/2010/05/boise-police-department-approve...
Porcupine Picayune´s last blog ..Capture A Cop & Win Dead Presidents!

I do have one concern about this. Perhaps better asked at copblock (or at my lawyer’s office, lol).

But with respect to video taping (vs still photography), aren’t there rules about audio recording (two party states vs. one party states)?

I am not trying to be trollbait here, but since I live in a so-called “two party state”, am I not leaving myself vulnerable if I am filming, for example, and a cop effectively doesn’t give me permission to record his voice? Wether or not it’s an arrest-able offense (I’m thinking of the motorcyclist in Maryland with a helmet cam recently) may be up for debate, but what about civil proceedings?

With still photography, there is no voice recording, and we know that photography in public places is supposed to be legal, so in theory you might have less chance of running into problems.

Again, I’m just asking. Not looking for legal advice, of course, just wondering how effective those of us living in two-party states might be if there’s a chance of putting ourselves in legal peril. That said, don’t think I’m a pu$$y and won’t take one for the team if I am wronged. I’m more concerned about being unarmed (intellectually) and setting out to try and help the cause, but end up giving it a bad name.

PS: Since this is my first comment here, I just want to take this opportunity to say: Carlos, you rock! You, sir, are a man among men. Thank you for doing what you do.