Recording police in public

You are filming or photographing police activity that takes place in a public space.

• Courts have generally recognized a right to record police performing their duties in public, subject to reasonable time, place, and manner limits.
• New York City's Right to Record Act explicitly protects observing and recording police activity in public.
• Officers generally may not demand to view, seize, or delete your footage without a warrant.

Common phrases people may choose to use.

• "I am not interfering. I am recording from a safe distance."
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• "Am I free to go?"
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• "I do not consent to a search of my phone."
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• !You must not physically interfere with officers' duties or cross police lines.
• !Officers may still order you to step back; comply while continuing to record from a lawful distance.

• ✓Keep a safe distance.
• ✓Avoid sudden movements with your phone.
• ✓Do not hand over or unlock your device on request alone.