Your Right to Record and Observe the Police

Black Lives Matter Rally

Taking photographs and videos of things that are plainly visible from public spaces is your constitutional right. That includes federal buildings, transportation facilities, and police and other government officials carrying out their duties. Unfortunately, law enforcement officers often order people to stop taking photographs or video in public places, and sometimes harass, detain or even arrest people who use their cameras or cell phone recording devices in public.

The ACLU of Pennsylvania has filed multiple lawsuits on behalf of individuals who were arrested for observing or recording police in the course of their public duties.

Resources

The Latest

Press Release
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ACLU-PA Statement on Pittsburgh Police Tactics at Weekend Protest

News & Commentary
Justice for victims

Curtailing the Enforcers of White Supremacy

America is in a historic moment. The murder of George Floyd by a police officer in Minneapolis has blown the lid off of 400 years of white supremacy on American soil.
Court Case
Sep 22, 2015

Brown v. Vitalbo

Court Case
Sep 15, 2014

Geraci v. City of Philadelphia

Court Case
Jul 24, 2014

Fields v. City of Philadelphia

Court Case
Jun 05, 2013

Loeb v. Police Officer George J. Gaspar, Jr.