Lawmakers are considering a bill that would protect the right of the public to photograph or videotape the public activities of police officers.
In an age when even the least expensive cell phones usually come equipped with cameras, supporters say the measure will provide greater transparency while protecting members of the public who record police actions from harassment and arrest.
"There have been numerous incidents...in which citizens have been harassed, threatened and arrested for recording what would seem to be public action by police officers,'' state Sen. Martin Looney said at a legislative hearing this morning.