Does an on-duty police officer standing outside their vehicle talking to a suspect have a reasonable expectation of privacy? That what they say and do won’t wind up on YouTube?
In Maryland, at least for now, the answer is “Yes”.
Washingon Post story. A man faces a very long prison term for recording his encounter with the police and posting it on YouTube. The ACLU has announced they are getting involved.
OK, I don’t think that ANY public official, in public, has an expectation of any privacy except his thoughts.
Anytime you put on a uniform you voluntarily place yourself in a glass house. You are no longer truly a private citizen. You’re a member of the military, the fire department, EMS, police, the civil air patrol, the Shriners, or perhaps even the priesthood. When in uniform your actions and words are “public” and WILL be taken as being representative of the members of the organization whose uniform you are wearing. I wear a uniform in volunteer service of my community and country. Maryland got this one wrong.
Art, This one REALLY has me HOT.
The Jack-Booted Thugs in Maryland need a wake up call. Normally I don’t like to see the ACLU involved in much, but…… this is the kind of case they need to take. They need to teach the MHP that they are NOT the Gestapo. There was NO expectation of privacy and furthermore I would encourage ALL citizens in Maryland and all over the US for that measure to keep the Video Cameras handy and use them as often as possible. If the Gov’t. can have Red Light cameras and Police Cars can have video (INCLUDING SOUND!) then the citizens should exercise.
I hope this guy sues for 100 Million minimum and I hope he BREAKS the state of Maryland. If they get away with this watch for an ordinance in YOUR TOWN or MY TOWN next that prohibits citizens from video taping public servants and officials.