Citizen crime fighters...?

[PisnNapalm]

It's a video link.

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/...ef=videosearch

I have some questions....

1. Haven't people been arrested and charged for filming the police? There was that kid who video recorded a traffic stop and he wound up being charged with wiretapping.

2. Is this asking people to become vigilantes?

3. (put on your tin foil hat) Is this asking people to become "big brother"? Asking them to get evidence of a crime and send it in?

I'm all in favor of stopping crime and I do feel that criminals should be punished but I can see this potentially being used to "spy" on your neighbor and report back.


EDIT:: Hopefully the link is fixed.

[dc dalton]

I don't get the relationship between your question and the video (Montauk monster) ... or was there another video you meant to post

[PisnNapalm]

Oops..... I managed to copy the wrong link. Sorry. Fixed it I hope....

EDIT::: ARRRGGG WTF? I can't copy a valid link to the video??

EDIT:: I hope it's fixed... Damn they make it hard to get an actual link to that video.

[dc dalton]

more betterer ...

Your questions are very legitimate. There's a fine line between reporting something you see and big brother.

[Fraggle09027]

I do not know if I would call it big brother, I highly doubt many new yorkers will even take the time to get involved (no insult intended). But when New Yorkers can watch a mugging or robbery and not even call the police what makes you think they will record it?

[LittleRedToyota]

1. Haven't people been arrested and charged for filming the police? There was that kid who video recorded a traffic stop and he wound up being charged with wiretapping.

wiretapping laws vary from state to state. PA has some of the most restrictive in the nation.

even in PA it is not illegal to *video* tape someone in public without their consent, though it can be illegal to *audio* record them if they have an expectaton of "non-interception".

however, NY's laws are more lenient.

there was a case where someone was arrested for videotaping the police here in PA that there was a thread about here on PAFOA. however, i'm pretty sure the DA ended up not proceeding with the case.

[Swarner793]

I believe it is appropriate. Citizens are responsible for their communities not some government agents that are compensated to do so. I do believe the Police are necessary, but, expecting them to "serve and protect" the public and the rest of us can sit back and bask in the glory of their success is not going to happen. Also, the non or uncooperative nature of many communities makes it more difficult to combat crime. So, as it occurs, document it.

As far as the legality of video/audio recording, this was in NY and the laws are different. Besides, I believe the individual charged with recording the Police Officer was exonerated. JMO

Also, as full disclosure, I am a Private Detective and and do over 100 hours of surveillance a month, so I am biased about the effectiveness of recording issues. If I am on a case and witness criminal activity, I document it (always have a second camera) and report it. I have many video clips where the Police are effecting an arrest that I called in, be it drug transactions or observing a vehicle that was broadcast as suspect. Anyway, citizens can and must make the difference.

Again, all this is just my opinion and may be proved incorrect when I get to the Pearly Gates That is why I am trying to get something on Saint Peter while I am here, maybe improve my chances of getting in

Be safe.

Scott

[Pa. Patriot]

1. Haven't people been arrested and charged for filming the police? There was that kid who video recorded a traffic stop and he wound up being charged with wiretapping..

Charges were dropped first business day.

[SilentRage]

OK , first I just want to say , excellent post PN ,,,,,,

Second , what the fuck happened to mutual trust between the people
and cops ?

Third , I'm not a seperatist by no means , but Good Lord I'm starting to
think a cabin on a side of a mountain is starting to look pretty damn good !

What the hell happened ???