Recording police is legal in public spaces, but officers may still intimidate citizens.

Federal & State Laws on Recording

• First Amendment Protections – Allowed in public where no expectation of privacy exists.
• Two-Party Consent States (e.g., Washington) – Requires officer’s consent in private conversations.
  1. Stay Calm & Don’t Interfere
  2. Clearly State You Are Exercising Your Rights
  3. Upload Footage Immediately (in case phone is seized)

  Notable Cases

  • 2017: ACLU Wins lawsuit Against Detroit Police for deleting a citizen’s recording.

  Conclusion

  You have the right to film police—but do so safely and know local laws.