Should it be a crime to video tape police?
By laglen
@laglen (19759)
United States
August 5, 2010 7:06am CST
Since the time of Rodney King, people have been video taping their encounters with law enforcement. This has helped get a lot of "dirty" cops off the street. It has also made officers think twice about their actions.
A man in Maryland is facing 16 years for doing this. Based on violation of wire tap laws.
http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,2008566,00.html
so how do you feel about this? Should people be allowed to tape their encounters? Why or why not?
2 people like this
8 responses
@achilles2010 (3051)
• India
5 Aug 10
I feel on the other hand the police themselves should videotape their every interaction with public to maintain transparency.
2 people like this
@lelin1123 (15594)
• Puerto Rico
6 Aug 10
I definitely think people should be allowed to tape their confrontations with the police. There are to many rotten cops out there. If its your word againist them guess who is going to win. If you have proof on tape then they the police have nothing. 1 person likes this
@MagicalBubbles (5103)
• Canada
6 Aug 10
You gotta be kidding me!!!!
*%^$#$&* is going on with freedom of speech or freedom to do what we damn well please with our cells?
I sure hope he has a good lawyer and they'll say its going against the constitution to sue someone for video taping.
Here if something happens with the cops, we have a tv show we can send the videos to and they make it public. So the cops here would have a field day trying to sue!!
I say its WRONG to make it illegal.
1 person likes this
I think your right, especially in a public place filming a public employee.
@pkushwaha (223)
• India
10 Aug 10
No, polic vedio tapping is not wrong but its a good for public and other department.
@skysuccess (8857)
• Singapore
6 Aug 10
laglen,
Video taping police should not be illegal as it would ensure that there would not be any miscarriage of authority and duty.
However, as law enforcement methodology can be sensitive, video taping can be a hindrance and if not can be used by perpetrators to exploit local law enforcements.
I feel that it should be done with moderation.
@lilwonders456 (8214)
• United States
6 Aug 10
I do think all encounters with police should be tapped. Why? It protects both sides. If one side or the other behaves badly their is proof and not just a he said she said situation.
You would think the cops would want it taped...that way they can't be accused of doing something they did not do.
Also I think if both sides know they are being taped it would cause both sides to think before they act and behave better.
It makes it look like the cops have something they want to hide. I hope this guy does not end up going to jail.
