Photography is Not a Crime

Shining a Light on First Amendment, Media and Police Issues

Photography is Not a Crime header image 2

Photography is no longer a crime in New York City!

May 19th, 2009 Tags:

→ 9 Comments

nypd


By Carlos Miller
We finally stumbled upon a copy of the Operations Order the New York City Police Department issued to officers last month regarding photographers taking pictures in public.

There really is nothing groundbreaking but apparently these are issues that are not taught in the police academy.

So better later than never.

The document states that the act of photographing and videotaping public places, buildings and structures is not an act of terrorism, which will come to a surprise to many NYPD officers.

The document also states that officers are not allowed to force photographers to delete their images and can only confiscate cameras if there is probable cause that they were used in commission of a crime. For example, child pornography or upskirting, which is actually legal in Oklahoma.

It also reminds officers that photography is allowed within the city’s subway system.

So if you’re based in New York or plan to travel there, I recommend clicking on the above document to enlarge it, then printing it out.

Popularity: 2% [?]

Related posts:

  1. New York City flash mob scheduled today at Grand Central Terminal
  2. New York City photographers plan protest Sunday against ongoing harassment
  3. Chicago police blog sides with Photography is Not a Crime on story
  4. Another photographer receives five-figure settlement in New York
  5. 2009: The Photography is Not a Crime year in review

9 Comments so far ↓

  • Scott

    So if you’re based in New York or plan to travel there, I recommend clicking on the above document to enlarge it, then printing it out.

    Might be document fraud……. ;)

  • Eric Hanneken

    (MTA) regulations expressly permit photography . . . although permission is required for . . . the use of additional equipment such as lights and tripods (persons holding valid NYPD press passes may use such ancillary equipment).

    So anyone can take photos, but good photography is reserved for members of the establishment. Got it.

  • NYCPhotorights

    The lights and tripods are safety issues. A train operator can be temporarily blinded by bright lights or a flash especially after emerging from a dark tunnel.

  • xdamousex

    The document would be handy to carry around, but somehow I doubt this is going to do much to curb harassment.

  • Vidiot

    by the way, I should point out that I first saw this on Jeremy Bales’ comment on your earlier post about this order being issued, from back in April. Kudos to him for finding it and making it available. I let some friends know about it the other day, and it’s spread around quite a bit!

  • Galius

    As for being blinded by flashing lights at night…that’s what red-light cameras do…

  • Fred2

    “The lights and tripods are safety issues. A train operator can be temporarily blinded by bright lights or a flash especially after emerging from a dark tunnel.”

    and … the press pass keeps the light from being blinding … I see it now …

  • RJ

    Can someone please tell me – is it illegal to take a picture of someone in a public place if you believe they’re either causing trouble or comitting a crime? What if they’re minors?

    Thank you in advance!

  • NYCPhotorights

    RJ: You can take a picture of ANYONE who is in a public place that has no expectation of privacy – even minors.

Leave a Comment

CommentLuv Enabled
Get Adobe Flash playerPlugin by wpburn.com wordpress themes