Who is Breaking the Law?

Almost a month ago, a fellow journalism major at Temple University was outside of Johnson and Hardwick Residence Hall when a homeless man decided to start flashing his "goodies" outside the fence from Broad Street. When the journalism student caught the man doing so, he decided to take pictures (he was already taking pictures for his Photography for Filmakers class). The student felt as if it was a good opportunity to get a good shot of a man literally with his pants down, surrounded by police. How were the police reacting to the man? The photograph could have probably given you the answer.

The bike cops quickly saw the student snapping shots, and demanded that he stop. The student responded, "I am pretty sure I am allowed to take pictures."

An officer replied, "Not when the police tell you to stop."

So is that true? Are police really allowed to tell a person to stop taking pictures in public, to speak to people in such a way? According to the World Press Freedom Committee,

Journalists, like all citizens, must be secure in their persons and be given full protection of law.

Actually, journalists are allowed to pursure stories in public places, especially a public place like Broad Street.

The student continued to take pictures. The police approached the young man and told him to "Get the F--- Out of Here." As journalism majors we are taught that it is perfectly legal to take pictures in public. After being shoved away by the police, the student moved to a different location where he continued to snap shots until he left the scene. The police approached him, and one can assume what happened next. They grabbed his ID from his pockets and said that taking pictures was legal until the police told you to stop.

The truth is, the police were furious that their word had been questioned, given that they are figures of authority, figures that in no way should be questioned, right? The student was cited by the police and given probation for the following semester and 20 hours of community service by the University Disciplinary Council. At the disciplinary hearing the policeman denied ever telling the student to "Get the F--- Out of Here." Is that fair? What did the student do wrong? He questioned authority, and that apparently, is illegal. As students we have the duty to stand up for our rights. So be careful with the camera people, you don't want to break the law!