[kristinn]

I think the ACLU has been consulting/negotiating with the police department on this issue. Because the ACLU doesn't like the cameras either. The police tactic is probably legal, though, and that's why the ACLU hasn't taken the next step and sued.

There in lies the problem. Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Protesting against the status quo has never been for the faint of heart, but this just adds to the palpitations.

I would think an injunction could be sought limiting the use of the videotapes to actual law enforcement and prohibiting other uses by the government.

Another angle though is that the tapes could be subject to FOIA. Enemies and the press would love to scan the tapes for any number of reasons.

[FreeTheHostages]

Hmm, well I agree with you that just because you can doesn't mean you should.

Re limiting use: it's in public, there's no expectation of privacy, basically anyone can videotape anything. So I don't see grounds for an injunction. 'Course, the ACLU might, but they see a lot of things I don't -- invisible and imaginary and fantastical things! :)

Re FOIA: tricky, but if law enforcement is using it for an ongoing investigation, there's that exception to FOIA disclosure.