Judiciary Committee endorse the public's right to tape the public activities of police--with an asterisk

The legislature's Judiciary Committee this afternoon approved a bill that explicitly allows citizens to photograph and videotape the public activities of police officers.

 

But before endorsing the measure, lawmakers approved an amendment that set down several caveats: Filming would be prohibited if the officer had a reasonable belief it would interfere with an investigation, violate the privacy of a victim or impact the public's safety.

 

However, the would-be photographer would have the right to file a lawsuit if he or she believes the officer overstepped the bounds of reasonableness.

 

At a time when even the cheapest cell phones 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 several recent instances of citizens videotaping police being arrested and charged with breach of peace.

Senate Majority Leader Martin Looney, the chief proponent of the bill, worked on the compromise amendment with the Chief State's Attorney's Office, which reservations about the proposal.

"This is an important bill,'' said Looney, D-New Haven. "It will both recognize the difficulties faced by law enforcement at crime scenes but will also caution officers that they cannot be repressive or cavalier'' in prohibiting a citizen from taping the public activities of law enforcement.

Some legislators who expressed opposition at a public hearing last month became supporters after the amendment was added giving police officers the discretion whether or not to permit the filming.

But some remained opposed, even with those limits. Rep. Joseph Verrengia, D-West Hartford, called the bill "well-intentioned," but said it would jeopardize the safety of police officers.