Public Accountability
Recording police in public is a constitutionally protected activity. This site exists to help citizens and journalists understand their rights, film safely, and contribute to a more transparent society.
Your Rights
The First Amendment protects the right to gather information about what public officials do in public. Every federal circuit court that has addressed the issue has held that this includes the right to record police officers in the performance of their duties.
You may record police officers performing their duties in any public space — sidewalks, parks, roads, and government buildings.
Officers generally cannot confiscate your phone or camera, demand you delete footage, or order you to stop recording without a warrant.
You don't need to be involved in an incident to record it. Bystanders and journalists alike have the right to document police activity from a safe distance.
Practical Guide
Knowing your rights and exercising them well are two different things. Follow these principles to protect yourself and produce footage that matters.
Keep a reasonable distance. Announce calmly that you are recording. Do not obstruct officers — your presence and camera are your tools.
Use apps that automatically upload to the cloud. Even if your phone is taken, the footage survives. ACLU's Mobile Justice app does this automatically.
Most states are one-party consent. A handful (including Illinois and California) require all-party consent for audio. Check your state before recording.
Record the full scene — badge numbers, vehicle numbers, surroundings. Context makes footage credible and useful in legal proceedings.
Say: "I am exercising my First Amendment right to record police in public." Do not argue. Comply with lawful orders but note any rights violation for later.
Share with local journalists, civil liberties organizations, or legal observers if it documents potential misconduct. Preserve originals — never edit the source file.
Resources
These organizations provide legal support, know-your-rights guides, and advocacy for individuals who film police and face retaliation.
Photography and video recording rights from the American Civil Liberties Union.
Legal support and resources for journalists covering law enforcement.
Digital rights guidance including mobile recording and surveillance law.
Training for legal observers who document police conduct at public events.
Resources for citizen journalists and video reporters covering public affairs.
A comprehensive research database tracking police violence across the U.S.
Contact
Questions, resources to suggest, or inquiries about this project? Reach us by email.
info@filmthepolice.com