It’s crucial to note everything the police do when you or another person interacts with them. However, you may be unable to remember everything that happened. Accordingly, a violation of rights that could have benefited your or another person’s case may go unnoticed.
So, what can you do to ensure you take note of everything that happens when stopped by the police? Can you record them?
Yes, you can
You can record police interactions, provided you don’t interfere with their activities and don’t break the law. You can photograph the police when they are performing their job in public.
Keep in mind that you need to be at a safe distance and not become confrontational. Additionally, you should be legally present at the location. You can record the police when they are acting in an official capacity on the streets, parks, sidewalks and other public places.
It may be unlawful to trespass on someone else’s property to record what the police are doing. Thus, be extra careful about recording the police on private properties. If you are on federal property, pay attention to any rules posted regarding filming.
What about audio recording?
Since Maryland is a “two-party consent” state for audio recording (every party in a conversation must consent to it being recorded), it can be beneficial to record video without audio when recording police actions. Go to your camera settings, click the audio option and change the settings accordingly. You don’t want a crucial video to be dismissed in court.
Recording the police is becoming more popular with the advancement in technology. Learn about this matter to know how to record police while performing their job without getting into trouble.