The public’s right to record the activities of a public safety agency has again taken center stage, with this fire crew apparently attempting to keep the videographer from taping medical helicopter activities.
It could be that the crew was trying to keep him back from a safety standpoint; if so, that would make sense — as long as everyone was being kept a safe distance away, which is unknown.
All we know is the video makes the captain look, um, less than professional.
This serves as a reminder for all of to make sure you don’t get caught on camera being made to look like a fool, or worse.
Key points:
1. Yes, the courts have repeatedly ruled that it is protected First Amendment rights to record public safety activities that occur in public.
2. Your department should have a policy and procedure in place to guide personnel what to do in a similar situation. It should also have a policy of speaking to media.
3. If safety is an issue, ensure whatever rules apply, apply fairly to everyone.
4. Be nice. Be respectful. Be assertive. You can be all of these at the same time.
5. The camera will record what’s in front of it visually, but will record any sound within earshot. Be aware of what you might say during a tense moment. It may be best for one person to be talking the entire time, while others remain silent.
Remember video simply records events. It doesn’t record what transpired before and after the recording.
It doesn’t record other things that are happening on the scene when the camera is not pointed at them. Moreover, it can be manipulated to make you look like the knight in shining armor — or the village idiot.
