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.
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13 responses so far ↓
1 Scott // May 19, 2009 at 8:22 AM
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…….
2 Eric Hanneken // May 19, 2009 at 8:48 AM
So anyone can take photos, but good photography is reserved for members of the establishment. Got it.
3 NYCPhotorights // May 19, 2009 at 10:16 AM
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.
4 xdamousex // May 19, 2009 at 11:00 AM
The document would be handy to carry around, but somehow I doubt this is going to do much to curb harassment.
5 Vidiot // May 19, 2009 at 3:16 PM
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!
6 Galius // May 20, 2009 at 2:35 PM
As for being blinded by flashing lights at night…that’s what red-light cameras do…
7 Fred2 // Jun 3, 2009 at 1:08 PM
“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 …
8 RJ // Jun 28, 2009 at 7:57 PM
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!
9 NYCPhotorights // Jun 28, 2009 at 10:03 PM
RJ: You can take a picture of ANYONE who is in a public place that has no expectation of privacy – even minors.
10 Robert JG // Mar 19, 2010 at 1:05 AM
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.
Except for the bit of misinformation about tripod use, it’s a good thing. The geniuses in blue are hung up on the word “prop.” They think a tripod is a “prop” because it “props” up the camera. Unless I’m taking a picture of the tripod, it’s not a “prop.”
NYC Film authority (or whatever it’s called) has regulations about photography in public, but they only apply to 2 or more people, ie, a single photographer doesn’t require a permit.
11 Robert JG // Mar 19, 2010 at 1:09 AM
And another “genius” chimes in.
They can’t be “blinded” unless you put the flash on full power in stick it right their face.
Don’t do much photography, do you?
Dark tunnel??? You did notice that the lights are ON in the subway car and it has bright headlights, didn’t you?
12 HLW // Mar 30, 2010 at 1:23 PM
Carlos –
I reread this whole thread again and I disagree with your assertion
“… and can only confiscate cameras if there is probable cause that they were used in commission of a crime.”
The ops order does not require that the camera be used in the commission of a crime only that it
” .. contains evidence of criminal activity…”
I know that I have read a thread somewhere of can the cops seize your camera… Trying to find it.
PS you never sent me the pix of me from NYC
13 Carlos Miller // Mar 31, 2010 at 3:57 AM
I’ve been swamped since returning from NYC. Haven’t had a chance to edit those photos yet. But I will this week
Carlos Miller´s last blog ..NYC to dish out $98,000 in Critical Mass melee caught on video
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