Film the Police

 The most important thing to consider when filming a police interaction is safety, your own and of the person you are filming. Filming or witnessing can escalate a situation, and sometimes bystanders become the target of police violence. The risk to your safety can depend on your identity, your background, race, gender, ethnicity, and so on, so it’s important to think about whether or not you feel comfortable filming before you press record. There are important ways to bear witness even if you don’t film, including standing in solidarity to let the person being targeted know they are not alone, or by taking notes. No footage is ever worth your safety.

In the United States, you have a 1st Amendment right to record law enforcement in public spaces as long as you don’t interfere.

 But remember:

• Whether or not you are interfering is totally up to the police officer in the moment (and later up to a judge or jury), so it’s best to keep at least six feet of distance (or a car’s length) between you and the incident while filming, especially during social distancing.
• If the police officer tells you to back up, comply with their orders. You can even film your feet as you’re backing up and say aloud, “I’m complying with orders.”
• If the police officer tells you to stop filming, you can assert your right to film if you feel comfortable doing so.
• You can stay safe and still film critical footage from a distance, like from a window, balcony, rooftop, or fire escape.