It is unlawful to selectively photograph people and use those photographs without their permission, IIRC.
Laws vary on a state by state basis.
Nope. They're in public, doing public duty. No law protects them from being observed/recorded.
Information on Photographer’s Rights taken from a web site listed at the end of this post.
Photography and The Law: Know Your Rights
Say youre out for a photographic stroll, taking pictures of that cool old power plant on the edge of town. Suddenly seventy security guards swarm you and demand you hand over your camera.
What is this, you ask yourself, a Michael Moore movie?
Youre sure you havent done anything wrong, but you dont know whose side the law is on. Fret no more. Weve got a list of things you can and cant do, and its a lot more permissive than you might think.
Now grab your camera back from that Rent-A-Cop, and lets hit the books.
The Ten Legal Commandments of Photography*
THE LEGAL STUFF
Before we get started here, we have to point out that even though were smart and awesome and devastatingly attractive, were not lawyers. None of this should be construed as legal advice. If you have a legal issue, get in touch with a lawyer. Much of this information was gleaned from attorney Bert P. Krages website, so well go ahead and recommend him.
THE TEN LEGAL COMMANDMENTS OF PHOTOGRAPHY
I. Anyone in a public place can take pictures of anything they want. Public places include parks, sidewalks, malls, etc. Malls? Yeah. Even though its technically private property, being open to the public makes it public space.
II. If you are on public property, you can take pictures of private property. If a building, for example, is visible from the sidewalk, its fair game.
III. If you are on private property and are asked not to take pictures, you are obligated to honor that request. This includes posted signs.
IV. Sensitive government buildings (military bases, nuclear facilities) can prohibit photography if it is deemed a threat to national security.
V. People can be photographed if they are in public (without their consent) unless they have secluded themselves and can expect a reasonable degree of privacy. Kids swimming in a fountain? Okay. Somebody entering their PIN at the ATM? Not okay.
VI. The following can almost always be photographed from public places, despite popular opinion:
accident & fire scenes, criminal activities
bridges & other infrastructure, transportation facilities (i.e. airports)
industrial facilities, Superfund sites
public utilities, residential & commercial buildings
children, celebrities, law enforcement officers
UFOs, the Loch Ness Monster, Chuck Norris
VII. Although security is often given as the reason somebody doesnt want you to take photos, its rarely valid. Taking a photo of a publicly visible subject does not constitute terrorism, nor does it infringe on a companys trade secrets.
VIII. If you are challenged, you do not have to explain why you are taking pictures, nor to you have to disclose your identity (except in some cases when questioned by a law enforcement officer.)
IX. Private parties have very limited rights to detain you against your will, and can be subject to legal action if they harass you.
X. If someone tries to confiscate your camera and/or film, you dont have to give it to them. If they take it by force or threaten you, they can be liable for things like theft and coercion. Even law enforcement officers need a court order.
WHAT TO DO IF YOURE CONFRONTED
Be respectful and polite. Use good judgement and dont escalate the situation.
If the person becomes combative or difficult, think about calling the police.
Threats, detention, and taking your camera are all grounds for legal or civil actions on your part. Be sure to get the persons name, employer, and what legal grounds they claim for their actions.
If you dont want to involve the authorities, go above the persons head to their supervisor or their companys public relations department.
Call your local TV and radio stations and see if they want to do a story about your civil liberties.
Put the story on the web yourself if need be.
http://content.photojojo.com/tips/legal-rights-of-photographers/
???? WTF are you kidding??
Show me the law that says he can attack her and destroy her camera. Don't bother , there is none.
Police on duty legally have zero expectation of privacy in situations like this. This cop needs to be at least fired.
Not police. Any citizen may record any policeman in any situation dealing with the public.
YDNRC