A bill protecting the right to photograph or video record police

[enoch150]

Martin Looney introduced S.B. 237 "to protect the right of an individual to photograph or video record peace officers in the performance of their duties." There are a few exemptions such as to protect the privacy of a victim.

http://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/cgabillstatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=237&which_year=2013&SUBMIT1.x=0&SUBMIT1.y=0

This is the only time I can recall agreeing with Martin Looney on anything.

[sailingaway]

I thought it was already legal by Constitutional law? Are you sure this isn't really limiting it? I mean, look what they passed by calling it the 'Patriot' Act.

[enoch150]

I don't know the current status of the law. Maybe it's just clarifying things. I just became aware of this after reading an article which said


State Sen. Martin Looney D-New Haven, first introduced the bill in 2011 on the heels of two disturbing incidents: the 2009 arrest of New Haven priest James Manship by East Haven cops for his video-recording their alleged harassment of Latino shopowners, and the 2010 arrest of Luis Luna, who recorded an arrest on a public street.

http://hamden.patch.com/groups/police-and-fire/p/your-take-should-people-be-able-to-sue-police-officers-who-interfere-with-vidoetaping-them-on-the-job_01e09913

[Keith and stuff]

I thought it was already legal by Constitutional law? Are you sure this isn't really limiting it? I mean, look what they passed by calling it the 'Patriot' Act.
The Glic decision addressed this in the 1st District (which includes CT) under certain circumstances. So typically it is already legal to film police, at least outside, while they are doing their job. http://www.ca1.uscourts.gov/pdf.opinions/10-1764P-01A.pdf