Tag: First Amendment

Patrol

Alabama Bill Could Allow Prosecution of People who Swear at Officers, Interfere at Scenes

Those in violation of the law would be charged with a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to a year in jail and a $6,000 fine.

March 20, 2025

Point of Law

Washington Agencies Ordered to Not Delete Critical Facebook Contents

Jim Leighty, a local activist, filed two federal lawsuits last year claiming both agencies deleted or hid critical comments he had written below multiple posts, while keeping comments that were pro-police in nature.

March 13, 2025

Point of Law

Louisiana Criminalizes Getting Too Close to Officers in Some Circumstances

While the legislation's language does not specifically mention filming, critics say that by default it would limit how close a person can be to observe police. Opponents have also gone further to question the law's constitutionality.

May 30, 2024

Point of Law

Man Sues NYPD Over Right To Record in Police Stations

"Our contention is [the NYPD's] rule, and the way this rule was written, and the way this rule is implemented, since it's an absolute ban, is not narrowly tailored and, therefore, will violate the First Amendment," LatinoJustice attorney Andrew Case said.

July 26, 2023

Point of Law

ACLU Sues Arizona Over 8-Foot Restriction on Filming Police

The law states that people cannot record the law enforcement activity if they know or reasonably should know that the activity is occurring. They are also are prohibited from recording if an officer has warned them about capturing the incident within 8 feet.

August 24, 2022

Point of Law

Point of Law: Responding to First Amendment Audits

In most cases, people have a right to video officers on duty. Agencies must be prepared to deal with these “auditors” in a constitutionally sound manner.

July 6, 2022

Patrol

AZ Bill Could Prohibit Filming Officers from Less than 8 Feet

House Bill 2319 was initially introduced by State Representative John Kavanagh, a former police officer. He says the bill would protect police officers and those recording.

June 28, 2022

Point of Law

Point of Law: First Amendment Audits and The Law

Every law enforcement officer needs to know what the courts have said about the public’s right to video you performing your duties.

June 15, 2022

Patrol

After-Action Reports on the Riots of 2020

The unrest after the death of George Floyd overwhelmed many agencies and resulted in injuries to thousands of officers. What needs to be done before the next incident ignites protests and riots?

April 30, 2021

Patrol

Arizona FOP Asks YouTube to Remove Auditors who Harass Police Officers for Profit

"The auditors then use YouTube channels like 'Pigs Under Pressure' to post and livestream their profane rants, monetizing the videos through YouTube clicks and advertising," the union said in a statement. Auditors are also funded by donations from their viewers.

January 29, 2021

Point of Law

LAPD Officer Suing City Over Discipline Related to His Social Media Posts

According to the complaint, Sydanmaa was disciplined three times for separate posts on Hussle, the allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, and how Japan deals with the practice of Islam.

November 17, 2020

Point of Law

Man Files First Amendment Violation Suit Against Colorado Officers

Sexton was watching officers distribute speeding tickets in the city's downtown area on January 30, 2019, when he began filming and yelling obscenities and insults at officers, including "F*** the police."

August 5, 2020