A law in the state of Arizona will ban people from filming police officers at short distances. As per the law, possible fines or jail will be imposed on those who don’t comply. Critics call the law a threat to free speech and the right to a free press. Bystanders and footage often filmed by police have occasionally resulted in officer misconduct being exposed.
The law comes into effect on 24 September. It will make it illegal to film police officers in the state within a distance of 8 feet (2.4m). People who ignore a verbal warning and continue filming risk a misdemeanor charge and up to 30 days in jail.
Are there any exceptions to the ban?
The law relating to the ban, however, makes certain exceptions. The people interacting with police, or in an enclosed area on private property will not be covered under this law. State Representative John Kavanagh, who sponsored the bill, has argued it is necessary because “groups hostile to the police” sometimes “get dangerously close to potentially violent encounters”.
“Getting very close to police officers in tense situations is a dangerous practice that can end in tragedy,” he wrote in USA Today in March.
“Police officers have no way of knowing whether the person approaching is an innocent bystander or an accomplice of the person they’re arresting who might assault them.”
Objections to the law
Opponents of the ban, however, say it attempts to discourage people from exercising their rights to film on public property. It violates their constitutionally-protected First Amendment rights to free speech.
Additionally, the National Press Photographers Association filed an objection to the law in February. They argue that it “runs counter to the clearly established right to photograph and record police officers performing their official duties in a public place.” This association is an industry group that includes still and TV news photographers –
Bystander footage of police encounters with the public has played a prominent role in the debate over police misconduct and brutality. Particularly against African Americans.
Video of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin – which was taken by a 17-year-old bystander – later proved to be a crucial part of the case against the officer. This week, Chauvin was sentenced to 20 years for violating Mr. Floyd’s civil rights. He is already serving a 22-year-state sentence for murder. ()
