Moderators lazarus Posted August 4, 2010 Moderators Posted August 4, 2010 Anthony Graber, a Maryland Air National Guard staff sergeant, faces up to 16 years in prison. His crime? He videotaped his March encounter with a state trooper who pulled him over for speeding on a motorcycle. Then Graber put the video — which could put the officer in a bad light — up on YouTube. It doesn't sound like much. But Graber is not the only person being slapped down by the long arm of the law for the simple act of videotaping the police in a public place. Prosecutors across the U.S. claim the videotaping violates wiretap laws — a stretch, to put it mildly. These days, it's not hard to see why police are wary of being filmed. In 1991, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) beating of Rodney King was captured on video by a private citizen. It was shown repeatedly on television and caused a national uproar. As a result, four LAPD officers were put on trial, and when they were not convicted, riots broke out, leaving more than 50 people dead and thousands injured (two officers were later convicted on federal civil rights charges). Read more: http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2008566,00.html?xid=huffpo-direct#ixzz0vez08JYa Quote Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence. Einstein
Moderators Gerr Posted August 4, 2010 Moderators Posted August 4, 2010 ALL encounters with the law SHOULD be videotaped. It is for the protection of both - in case any police brutality is brought up. Quote
Moderators lazarus Posted August 4, 2010 Author Moderators Posted August 4, 2010 What possible reasons can the Police give for stopping the public filming their activities. The video of Bart police shooting Oscar Grant made all the difference. If it were not for the video the police officer may have walked free. Quote Great spirits have always found violent opposition from mediocrities. The latter cannot understand it when a man does not thoughtlessly submit to hereditary prejudices but honestly and courageously uses his intelligence. Einstein
Members phkrause Posted August 4, 2010 Members Posted August 4, 2010 I agree, if we have nothing to hide than it shouldn't matter. Quote phkrause When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man rules, the people groan. Proverbs 29;2
Members rudywoofs (Pam) Posted August 5, 2010 Members Posted August 5, 2010 The only reason I can think of for not allowing private videotaping of the police would be to protect the identity of undercover agents. But someone in a patrol car or police motorcycle would obviously not fall under that reason.. Quote Pam Meddle Not In the Affairs of Dragons; for You Are Crunchy and Taste Good with Ketchup. If we all sang the same note in the choir, there'd never be any harmony. Funny, isn't it, how we accept Grace for ourselves and demand justice for others?
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