Photography is (officially) not a crime
NYPD Operations Order number 14
I’m not sure how I could have missed this, but I just came across an official NYPD document regarding the legality of photography in public areas in the city. It is the clearest and most useful document of its kind that I’ve found and states that, except in specific and rare cases, photography and videotaping are permissible in most public spaces. Additionally, a police officer may never ask you to delete images or destroy film, although they can seize your equipment and obtain a search warrant if they are suspicious about your intentions.
I am printing this one out and putting it right along side my copy of The Photographer’s Right and the NYC MOFTB permit rules in my camera bag. I’ve had good and bad experiences with the NYPD, but have found that a friendly attitude and familiarity with the rules usually help keep problems to a minimum.
(via Brian Ulrich » Critical Terrain » Carlos Miller)
July 20, 2009