Pixiq

i found this pdf really helpful in understanding what we can and what we can't do out there with our cameras.

http://www.krages.com/ThePhotographersRight.pdf

have a nice shooting !

fabio -

I'll be honest. The protester was creeping closer to the cop with his camera, getting within striking distance. Did he forget how to use zoom function. Those "protesters" were being a-holes.

Unbelievable... Was his name/badge number ever figured out? If it was said in the video, I missed it.

The cop lost his cool and should not have lashed out, but the civilian is a major TWERP who was intent on provoking and antagonizing the cop for just such a reaction. The cops a person and not a machine. The civilian wasn't contributing anything to social activism at all. The cop on the other hand should be sent for some training in self control and how to escalate issues when warranted. He should have verbally warned the citizen to back up out of his personal space. That would have been reasonable. Sorry but no sympathy for the photographer.

p.s. Also funny how the little female cop stands there the whole time with her hands just above waist level just like she was taught in her hand-to-hand combat training, cut gloves on, shades and acting 'tough'.

The Rules on News Coverage Are Clear, but the Police Keep Pushing.

In late November, the police commissioner, Raymond W. Kelly, ordered every precinct in his domain to read a statement. Officers, the commissioner said, must “respect the public’s right to know about these events and the media’s right of access to report.”

Any officer who “unreasonably interferes” with reporters or blocks photographers will be subject to disciplinary actions.

These are fine words. Of course, his words followed on the heels of a few days in mid-November when the police arrested, punched, kicked and used metal barriers to ram reporters and photographers covering the Occupy Wall Street protests.

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/03/nyregion/at-wall-street-protests-clash...

Yes, the guy with the camera was being a little dweebish and had his opinion that he was trying to express with his actions. Neither of these are illegal.

The officer stepped into that spot after seeing what was going on, and the guy with the phone did get a little close. The civilized, responsible, and professional reaction to which should have been "Please step back sir" not assault. On the other hand, phone-guy should realize that the "I wasn't touching you" defense doesn't really work after 2'nd or 3'rd grade.

What he should have done rather than trying to berate the officer and continue his monologue would be to say to him "Officer, you've just assaulted me, I'd like your name and badge number". If the officer remained silent, turn to the next officer and say "Officer, as you just witnessed, this officer has just assaulted me and refuses to provide his name or badge number, could you please give me his name and badge number as well as your own name and badge number" .. and so on down the line.

"Three Foot. You're in my space" says the steroid freak with a badge.

This must be part of the secret Police Constitution of the United States. The same secret Constitution that affords the cops the "right" to "officer safety". All while the supreme court repeatedly rules the thugs with badges have no obligation to keep us safe.

"You need to keep your voice down" says the dike with a badge. Really? Of the People, by the People, For the People, you tyrannical whore.

"Please step back sir", would have been the correct response, as SteelToad said in his post. That guy was annoying, I think deliberately so, but dealing with irritating twits goes with the job.

I hope we can use this as precedent the next time a cop unjustifiably enters my personal space to try and illicit a physical response from me.. like they routinely do.

Next time a steroid junky leans in nose-to-nose to threaten me with "you're going to answer my question or else" I can throw an elbow?

I understand the guy was annoying and abrasive. But if you can't keep your cool for a few minutes of video recording, or at least request they give you your space, you have no business being a cop.

The officer should have told him to back up a few feet instead of slapping the camera. I wouldn't have let him stand so close either but the trooper handled it poorly.

A gun, a badge, a uniform, a bit of extra testosterone and WHAM!!

"hobo with a shotgun"

Whatever happened with this cop ? I hope charges were filed against him.