By Carlos Miller
I don’t know why the videographer avoided filming this cop’s face. And I don’t know why he failed to ask this cop’s name.
Because as blatantly illegal as her actions were, she winds up being just another anonymous cop shot from the neck down barking unlawful orders.
The videographer was standing on a public sidewalk getting some b-roll footage of the Federal Reserve Building in Washington DC when the Federal Reserve Officer came running down the stairs, ordering him to stop filming. She told him he needed to go public affairs to ask permission to do something that is completely legal.
Then she just flat out lied.
“You can’t take pictures of a federal building. Period.”
I urge next time that a photographer or videographer is being harassed, lift your camera and capture their face and actions. And post them all over the internet. Let’s build a collection.
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10 responses so far ↓
1 Chris // Feb 13, 2009 at 7:51 AM
the first thing one should do if someone tells you that you cant take a picture, is to take a picture of that person.
the video is pointless w/out the security guards idiotic face…
2 Duane Kerzic // Feb 13, 2009 at 11:20 PM
Yes.. take a photo of their face and name tag if they have one on.
I’m gathering information on this. I’m trying not to get arrested for a month or so. I was at the Fed Reserve Bank in NYC on Feb. 5, 2009. I was given a similar story. I got the guy to quote a law but when I checked the law it had nothing to do with the Fed Reserve Banks. I suggest that everyone go on the Fed Reserve Banks website and ask the question about if photography of the exterior of the banks is allowed.
3 genewitch // Feb 14, 2009 at 12:20 PM
Duane: the answer is yes, regardless of what any “official” says.
4 Duane Kerzic // Feb 14, 2009 at 9:01 PM
I was certain I could take a photo and the federal reserve police officer was full of donkey dung.
I just like to be careful and check in detail before I make an issue out of it. He was kind of respectful with his request. He made a joke out me having my people talk to his people after I checked it out.
Best thing to do is turn on the emails to the Fed Reserve asking about the photo policy right now. If enough people ask they might get the hint and fix things. I doubt it but I’m an optimist.
This is where you contact the Fed http://www.federalreserve.gov/feedback.cfm
Here is my last message to them which was written the same time I wrote this:
Hi,
This is my second request for an answer. Either something happened to my last request or it was ignored.
On Feb 5, 2009 I was told my a Federal Reserve Police Officer that I could not take photos of the NY Federal Reserve Bank exterior. Specifically the entrance to the building. I have a voice recording of the exchange for your review if you wish. He cited HR 217 as the law that prohibits taking photos of the entrances.
Then this shows up on the internet. http://carlosmiller.com/2009/02/13/headless-federal-reserve-officer-is-clueless-about-photographers-rights/
Last I checked it is perfectly legal to photograph the exterior of all building when standing on public property such as a public sidewalk. It may or may not be proper when you are standing on private property.
Last time I asked these questions.
1. Are there any regulations, laws or rules in effect that limit photography of the exterior of Federal Reserve Banks.
2. Is it permissible to photograph the lobbies of the Banks.
Thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.
5 Ferfe LaBat // Feb 15, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Well. You can take pictures but they probably put your name on some no fly cavity search list with terrorist suspects. Just say’n. Free country? not so much anymore.
6 the bulldog // Feb 16, 2009 at 11:12 AM
(in my best homer simpson voice)…”mmmm, cavity search!”
7 Jack Skunk // Feb 23, 2009 at 12:15 AM
You know, Duane, if they click that link in your email they will undoubtably see your comments and realize your devilish scheme. Just sayin’.
8 Jake Kelly // Apr 14, 2009 at 10:26 PM
The below links tells the story of a recent run in my friend and I had at the Federal Reserve branch in Richmond. We didn’ t argue with the “officer”, but I know the officer was wrong. This seems to be systematic. He did not get immediately out of his car but was on the radio for a minute before he came to talk to us, indicating he spoke with a superior.
I wouldn’t doubt that this type of thing is encouraged at some level.
http://www.danielcwarshaw.com/on-photography-and-seething-with-rage
p.s. I do believe this is a violation of our constitutional rights.
9 Carlos Miller // Apr 14, 2009 at 10:57 PM
Thanks Jake, I added the link to the latest federal reserve story.
http://carlosmiller.com/2009/04/14/federal-reserve-security-guards-force-videographers-off-public-property/
10 Jeff // Aug 23, 2010 at 2:56 PM
Well lets see! 9/11, 2002 sniper incident any of these things kinda sound familure to you anarchists. Let the Government do thier job! There is a reason for the Law. I cite the National Security act of 1952 which infacts bans the photographing or scetching any Federal Property without the written consent of the Government. Live with it or maybe next time you visit as Government Building you could be the target of some sicko bomber type. This is for the Peoples protection!
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