ACLU releases app for secretly recording interactions with the police - Polidicks

[url]http://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2012/07/android-app-secretly-videos-police/[/url] [quote=Ars Technica]The New Jersey chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has released an Android app that surreptitiously records police stops and sends the videos to legal watchdogs for review. The advent of [url=https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.aclunj.policetape&feature=search_result#?t=W251bGwsMSwxLDEsIm9yZy5hY2x1bmoucG9saWNldGFwZSJd]Police Tape[/url] is designed to counter a practice an increasing number of civilians have encountered over the past few years: those who videotape or photograph police officers performing routine stops and other official acts are frequently arrested or disciplined. Evidently, many officers are all in favor of increased surveillance as long as it isn't turned on them. Earlier this year, for instance, a Miami journalist covering a police effort to evict Occupy Miami protestors recovered video of officers arresting him after it was deleted from his camera. Police Tape provides basic advice for people who are stopped by police officers. It also claims to provide controls for discreetly recording the video or audio of such stops. [B]After it is activated, it disappears from the screen.[/B] The app will also upload the recording to ACLU-NJ so monitors there can review it for any civil liberties violations. [B]"Once it has been uploaded, it's saved on an external server, so police cannot permanently delete the file,"[/B] an accompanying video states. An app for Apple iOS devices is in the works, the ACLU says. Depending on local laws and other specifics, recording video or audio without the knowledge or consent of people in the immediate vicinity may run afoul of the law. That means end users may want to seek legal advice before routinely using Police Tape. Then again, having the app installed and ready to go in an emergency may not be a bad idea, either.[/quote] [editline]15th July 2012[/editline] The app also includes info on what the police are allowed to do under US law (searches, arrests etc)

Excellent app, already looking for it on my phone.

Will it be for IOS too? This would be handy.

I love how it's being developed for Android first and then iOS, it's about damned time we saw change in pace there considering Android's newfound dominance in the market

[QUOTE=CakeMaster7;36775438]I love how it's being developed for Android first and then iOS, it's about damned time we saw change in pace there considering Android's newfound dominance in the market[/QUOTE] It's the ACLU, who cares :v: Anyways, how would you be able to record it, pointing your phone at a police officer is suspicious as hell, I guess putting it in a side pocket or something? I can only see audio recordings be useful.

-snop- misread This is neat

[QUOTE=CakeMaster7;36775438]I love how it's being developed for Android first and then iOS, it's about damned time we saw change in pace there considering Android's newfound dominance in the market[/QUOTE] I love how compulsively Facepunchers start comparing iOS versus android... We don't care.

[QUOTE=lemonskunk;36775411]Will it be for IOS too? This would be handy.[/QUOTE] [QUOTE=Article]...An app for Apple iOS devices is in the works, the ACLU says...[/QUOTE] Yeah they are making one for iOS. This app seems great, gonna get it asap.

This is a great idea.

[QUOTE=CakeMaster7;36775438]I love how it's being developed for Android first and then iOS, it's about damned time we saw change in pace there considering Android's newfound dominance in the market[/QUOTE] yahwoll, ich bin also glad that ze evil apple scum is being put in ze position of inferiority! heil android, ze dominant platform! no seriously though, that's what comes to mind?

[QUOTE=Zambies!;36775475]It's the ACLU, who cares :v: Anyways, how would you be able to record it, pointing your phone at a police officer is suspicious as hell, I guess putting it in a side pocket or something? I can only see audio recordings be useful.[/QUOTE] If you have cup holders in the front-middle of your vehicle, you could always prop the phone in one and have it pointed at you/your driver window.

I wonder how much longer I will continue to use a flip phone.

or you could just record them with video? [editline]14th July 2012[/editline] secretly recording them can lead to legal issues down the road

Watch Republicans get mad

[QUOTE=areolop;36776045]or you could just record them with video? [editline]14th July 2012[/editline] secretly recording them can lead to legal issues down the road[/QUOTE] Not if there's a reason for it. I'm pretty sure it's completely legal to record a police officer.

This is technically illegal in several states(mine included). How does the ACLU justify giving people tools and encouraging them to break the law? [editline]15th July 2012[/editline] [QUOTE=Zally13;36776746]Not if there's a reason for it. I'm pretty sure it's completely legal to record a police officer.[/QUOTE] In my state it is illegal to record someone in public without consent/knowledge. You have to tell the person you are recording them in order for it to be legal.

[QUOTE=yawmwen;36776748]This is technically illegal in several states(mine included). How does the ACLU justify giving people tools and encouraging them to break the law? [editline]15th July 2012[/editline] In my state it is illegal to record someone in public without consent/knowledge. You have to tell the person you are recording them in order for it to be legal.[/QUOTE] [quote]The First Amendment issue here is, as the parties frame it, fairly narrow: is there a constitutionally protected right to videotape police carrying out their duties in public? Basic First Amendment principles, along with case law from this and other circuits, answer that question unambiguously in the affirmative. It is firmly established that the First Amendment's aegis extends further than the text's proscription on laws "abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press," and encompasses a range of conduct related to the gathering and dissemination of information. As the Supreme Court has observed, "the First Amendment goes beyond protection of the press and the self-expression of individuals to prohibit government from limiting the stock of information from which members of the public may draw." ... Gathering information about government officials in a form that can readily be disseminated to others serves a cardinal First Amendment interest in protecting and promoting "the free discussion of governmental affairs."[/quote]

I still think that videos speak louder then an audio file

[QUOTE=Zally13;36776797]The First Amendment issue here is, as the parties frame it, fairly narrow: is there a constitutionally protected right to videotape police carrying out their duties in public? Basic First Amendment principles, along with case law from this and other circuits, answer that question unambiguously in the affirmative. It is firmly established that the First Amendment's aegis extends further than the text's proscription on laws "abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press," and encompasses a range of conduct related to the gathering and dissemination of information. As the Supreme Court has observed, "the First Amendment goes beyond protection of the press and the self-expression of individuals to prohibit government from limiting the stock of information from which members of the public may draw." ... Gathering information about government officials in a form that can readily be disseminated to others serves a cardinal First Amendment interest in protecting and promoting "the free discussion of governmental affairs."[/QUOTE] Yea, it is legal to record police officers. The "secretly" part is the one that has an issue.

[QUOTE=yawmwen;36776942]Yea, it is legal to record police officers. The "secretly" part is the one that has an issue.[/QUOTE] Oh, that makes sense. Still, it would be great to hit record and tell them you're recording it and know that it's constantly being updated to a server.

[QUOTE=Zambies!;36775475]It's the ACLU, who cares :v:[/QUOTE] people who care about civil rights?

[QUOTE=yawmwen;36776748]This is technically illegal in several states(mine included). [B]How does the ACLU justify giving people tools and encouraging them to break the law[/B]? [editline]15th July 2012[/editline] In my state it is illegal to record someone in public without consent/knowledge. You have to tell the person you are recording them in order for it to be legal.[/QUOTE] because a law preventing you from recording public servants who have the power and authority to arrest and abuse you is asinine and violating the law in favor of harmless common sense doesn't need further justification. "how do people possibly justify smoking weed? its illegal!!"

[QUOTE=yawmwen;36776748]This is technically illegal in several states(mine included). How does the ACLU justify giving people tools and encouraging them to break the law? [editline]15th July 2012[/editline] In my state it is illegal to record someone in public without consent/knowledge. You have to tell the person you are recording them in order for it to be legal.[/QUOTE] I downloaded the app. Before you can use it there's an agreement that states it's only intended for use in New Jersey and you need to consult your state laws if you live elsewhere and still want to use it.

[QUOTE=Zally13;36776962]Oh, that makes sense. Still, it would be great to hit record and tell them you're recording it and know that it's constantly being updated to a server.[/QUOTE] Which is perfectly fine to do. There is no law (i think) against recording police officers. Just be sure that they know that they are being recorded..

[QUOTE=Kopimi;36776969]because a law preventing you from recording public servants who have the power and authority to arrest and abuse you is asinine and violating the law in favor of harmless common sense doesn't need further justification. "how do people possibly justify smoking weed? its illegal!!"[/QUOTE] I don't think it's necessarily right to record anyone without their knowledge.

[QUOTE=yawmwen;36777024]I don't think it's necessarily right to record anyone without their knowledge.[/QUOTE] if they're not an on-duty cop then sure, but recording someone in a position of authority like this without their knowledge can capture abuse of power that would otherwise be hidden by either a lack of recording, or by a cop knowing he's on camera. i think the benefits of citizens watching police as much as they watch citizens greatly outweigh any privacy issues an [B]on duty officer in public[/B] would encounter.

[QUOTE=Kopimi;36777051]if they're not an on-duty cop then sure, but recording someone in a position of authority like this without their knowledge can capture abuse of power that would otherwise be hidden by either a lack of recording, or by a cop knowing he's on camera. i think the benefits of citizens watching police as much as they watch citizens greatly outweigh any privacy issues an [B]on duty officer in public[/B] would encounter.[/QUOTE] I agree with this 100%. I don't think the argument that it's violating the police's rights is a great argument when the police are given power by your tax-funded state to safeguard liberty and safety. If they abuse that power, honestly, I think they should be utterly liable to any and all surveillance by the people that they pledge to protect.

[QUOTE=Kopimi;36777051]if they're not an on-duty cop then sure, but recording someone in a position of authority like this without their knowledge can capture abuse of power that would otherwise be hidden by either a lack of recording, or by a cop knowing he's on camera. i think the benefits of citizens watching police as much as they watch citizens greatly outweigh any privacy issues an [B]on duty officer in public[/B] would encounter.[/QUOTE] So you are saying that a police officer has less protections under the law than a normal citizen? I get where you are coming from but I disagree with that idea. I believe that people should have equal protection under the law no matter their profession. There are certainly added responsibilities, but not less protections.

[QUOTE=yawmwen;36777139]So you are saying that a police officer has less protections under the law than a normal citizen? I get where you are coming from but I disagree with that idea. I believe that people should have equal protection under the law no matter their profession. There are certainly added responsibilities, but not less protections.[/QUOTE] so then you're against business owners having security cameras, and police using helicopters, unmanned drones, and now lasers that can scan your pockets, to record and profile you? and even if there wasn't an absolutely disproportionately larger amount of police surveillance than citizen surveillance, i would still disagree. they are police officers trusted to protect the law, and given the authority to make your life hell. if they violate your rights and abuse their power, its your word against theirs, and i can guarantee the courts will trust a cop more than they trust the dude they arrested. sorry if being recorded puts too much strain on your delicate lives as police, but i think that's one of the crosses you have to bear if you want the power to arrest, beat, and fine me. i should be able to at least get some audio of you so that i have a fighting chance when reporting your behavior.

[QUOTE=Kopimi;36777160]so then you're against business owners having security cameras, and police using helicopters, unmanned drones, and now lasers that can scan your pockets, to record and profile you?[/quote] You consent to being recorded when you enter a private business. As for helicopters and unmanned drones, it is illegal in my state at least to use them to survey the public since a person has to know they are being recorded to give implied consent. I am against it as well, anyways. When did I ever imply I wasn't? [quote]and even if there wasn't an absolutely disproportionately larger amount of police surveillance than citizen surveillance, i would still disagree. they are police officers trusted to protect the law, and given the authority to make your life hell. if they violate your rights and abuse their power, its your word against theirs, and i can guarantee the courts will trust a cop more than they trust the dude they arrested. sorry if being recorded puts too much strain on your delicate lives as police, but i think that's one of the crosses you have to bear if you want the power to arrest, beat, and fine me. i should be able to at least get some audio of you so that i have a fighting chance when reporting your behavior.[/QUOTE] Yea, you can record police officers. All you have to say is "I'm recording you," and the officer has given consent. I'm not saying you shouldn't be able to record someone in public, only that they should be made aware that they are being recorded.