Please debunk this outrageous claim

[crashwg]

My sister was just going on about how she saw something in the news (doesn't remember where) about some cops that were busting some guy for skateboarding or something all while being video taped by an innocent bystander when all of a sudden they go after the cameraman claiming that it's illegal to record police officers or police business or something of that sort.

Sounds like a load of crap to me.  Searched the internet for a bit and didn't come up with anything...

Oh, this is in the USofA by the way.  I'm sure it's illegal in some country.

[danny_galaga]

well, if it were true rodney king wouldnt have had a leg to stand on...

[Zero_Hour]

I believe your sister heard a misinterpretation of an incident that happened in Hot Springs Arkansas, earlier this year.

Bunch of articles about it here

I'm not aware that the person shooting the video was ever approached by the police concerning it. Haven't watched the video in months though.

As for whether or not you can videotape police...

Google "videotaping police" and start reading. Lots of stories explaining it's legal (even some federal case results), other stories of police using wiretapping laws to arrest those who do videotape them, and still others suggesting that even if it is legal, the police tend to frown on the activity.

[crashwg]

well, if it were true rodney king wouldnt have had a leg to stand on...

Forgot to mention that came up.  It seemed as though she thought this was a newer thing...

[SavannahLion]

other stories of police using wiretapping laws to arrest those who do videotape them, and still others suggesting that even if it is legal, the police tend to frown on the activity.

Interesting since our local police make it a point to video tape themselves when they go around beating the crap out of people. Wanna make sure the beating is ethical or something I suppose. 

[Chazz]

just saw this on Digg

Police Arrest CBC Journalist, Take Camera for Filming Them

Errm... is Blackwater training the cops in Winnipeg? "CBC reporters were in the area following a different story. When police began arriving, the cameraman began rolling. Police instructed him to turn off the camera, then moved in, said CBC reporter Gosia Sawicka... the cameraman was formally charged with obstructing a peace officer."

[CheffoJeffo]

just saw this on Digg

Police Arrest CBC Journalist, Take Camera for Filming Them

Errm... is Blackwater training the cops in Winnipeg? "CBC reporters were in the area following a different story. When police began arriving, the cameraman began rolling. Police instructed him to turn off the camera, then moved in, said CBC reporter Gosia Sawicka... the cameraman was formally charged with obstructing a peace officer."

Errm ... if I were a cop prepping a takedown, the last thing I want is for the guys inside the house to watch the whole thing on Channel 8. And then there is the outcry if the cameraman had been shot by someone inside the house.

Sounds like the whole thing was just unfortunate timing (the CBC crew was nearby to film a Hell's Angels bust and got in close before a perimeter was established), but that the situation was handled appropriately with nobody harmed.

Or we could just cry Blackwater and see what happens ....