Posted on 03/20/2012 12:23:34 PM PDT by Altariel
A man who was taking pictures near a train track in Illinois was confronted by a sheriffs deputy who informed him that he was breaking the law, so therefore he had no choice but to report the photographer to Homeland Security.
The photographer, who describes himself as a disabled war veteran and former state worker, was left wondering if the deputy had any legal basis for adding him to a terrorist watch list.
The photographer, who goes by RustyBug, posted his story on Fred Mirandas site last week where it has generated considerable discussion.
RustyBug, who never states which sheriffs department harassed him, said the deputy told him it was against the law to shoot within 550 feet from train tracks, which is complete hogwash.
RustyBug said he really wasnt buying it, but he wasnt sure either, which shows us the importance of knowing the law when it comes to photography because too many cops dont know the law.
Perhaps this is a good time to remind readers of the photographer rights lens cloths/neck badge combos they can purchase to contribute to my legal defense fund.
RustyBug called the sheriffs department as well as other federal agencies and discovered the deputy was lying.
However, he also discovered there is an Illinois terrorism database where cops can place you if you piss them off.
The State of Illinois has its own database specifically for law enforement officials to report AT THEIR OWN DISCRETION anyone they feel has been doing something that they felt was suspicious or unwarranted EVEN IF IT IS NOT A REPORTABLE OFFENSE.
The acronym for the database is STIC (I think I got that right). and apparently is not widely known about (DSP) yet ... but this particular officer who is a member of the larger tactical force has already been made aware of its development.
The Captain informed me that I was NOT put on the list and that the officer mis-spoke @ the REQUIREMENT to do so vs. the ABILITY to do so. The Captain and I spoke regarding some strategies at how I might continue to shoot and help alleviate concerns @ LEO.
Meanwhile, a reader posted the New Jersey Homeland Security Terrorism Awareness and Prevention guide, which advises readers to be on the lookout for people taking pictures in areas not normally of interest.
In photography class (a long, long, time ago when we used film), all of our assignments seemed to be 'taking pictures in areas not normally of interest'.
No glamour photography, mostly B&W photos of urban blight.
The guy should look into whether he has a basis for a civil rights lawsuit against the sheriff’s deputy.
I am a huge fan of law enforcement generally but if they’re harassing law-abiding citizens with such nonsense then the only way to check them is by litigation.
I am sick of terrorism paranoia being invoked to justify a government clampdown on the citizenry.
DHS are and this cop are morons. etc...
“I am sick of terrorism paranoia being invoked to justify a government clampdown on the citizenry.”
Well said.
Define "not normally of interest".
I've been sitting somewhere happily photographing birds and had rentacops come up and ask what I was doing, they didn't even know the birds were there. I've also been seen on my belly under a bush photographing a bug or lizard. I suppose that isn't "normally of interest" for most cops, but it's what I do!
One of these days I'm going to shove a monopod somewhere the sun don't shine, I'm tired of being messed with!
I’ve heard that the Feds keep a very close eye on the coal trains in Nebraska.
My son is a train buff (ever since he was 5), and he now shoots HD videos of trains and posts them on YouTube for everyone’s enjoyment, and has following worldwide. I would say that unless this person violated, or interfered in any way, with the operations of the train movement, then the officer was out of line.
But Homeland Security Videos over-whelmingly show terrorists as WHITE MIDDLE CLASS MEN...
So, if a cop doesn't like you, he can STIC it to you!
It should have been at least 127. Our first Muslim President is an economic and political terrorist.
Turning America into a police state is no good alternative to fighting a necessarily larger foreign war. Police work in a surveillance society will not catch all assassins/guerrillas (terrorists), either. The only practical way to defend against them is to destroy their will to fight in their own countries before more of them try to attack.
“The State of Illinois has its own database specifically for law enforement officials to report AT THEIR OWN DISCRETION anyone they feel has been doing something that they felt was suspicious or unwarranted EVEN IF IT IS NOT A REPORTABLE OFFENSE.”
Forget it, Jack, it’s Obamaland
.
(apologies to J.J. Gittes)
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.