NYCLU Lawsuit Against NYPD to Stop Photographer Harrassment

[Driver@BTN]

NYCLU Lawsuit Against NYPD to Stop Photographer Harrassment

The New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), the New York affiliate of the ACLU, is preparing to file a lawsuit against the NYC Police Department (NYPD) to stop the unlawful detainment and harrassment of photographers in the City of New York that has been occurring over the last few years, under the justification of "homeland security" concerns.

To date, they have an impressive list of plaintiffs, numbering over 30, and they are hoping to obtain more.

If anyone here who has had the misfortune over the last few years of dealing with the unpleasant (to say the least) experience of being told by overzealous and/or ill-informed NYPD officers that rail/bus photography is illegal (when it clearly is not), and facing the threat of arrest if not ceasing immediately, would like to take part in an historic effort to put an end to this unlawful and unconstitutional harrassment once and for all, and you are willing to give the NYCLU a detailed statement describing your experiences thereof, the NYCLU would like very much to hear from you.

Please contact Mr. Sam Munger at 212-607-3300 or at smunger@nyclu.org

It's time to "stop complaining and to start fighting back."

This is a real opportunity to take our hobby back, once and for all. Let's take advantage of it.

[RailBus63]

I would be more than happy to share my experiences, but I've been fortunate - the only such incidents in New York that I've had took place in October 2001 when I was stopped from taking photographs at Stillwell Avenue terminal of M trains that had been rerouted to Coney Island.  I didn't pursue the matter any further because it was so soon after 9/11.

Now, if the Boston chapter of the ACLU reaches out to the public in its fight against the MBTA's photo restrictions, I will be able to write a small book!

I agree with BK - if anyone has been harassed by transit personnel or other authorities and told not to take photographs, please step up.  This effort has the opportunity to end this nonsense once and for all.

Jim D.

[Driver@BTN]

Just to clarify -- the above is an email message sent to me as part of a mailing list I apparently belong to. Though I did not actually "sign-up" to receive such notices, I am nonetheless content being a member, as this particular list is always on topic and never sends non-related information. It's apparently run by a WebTV member who I don't know personally (or otherwise), but has found our website and attached the domain email address to the list of recipients.

That said, just about all information sent is of interest to some or all of our community. I make that information available to you second-hand to do with as you wish, if anything.

Regarding the above, personally, I find the abuse of hobbyist photpgraphers by ill-informed authority figures something that must be legally addressed and thoroughly defined by our lawmakers. Photography isn't some obscure hobby and it shouldn't be treated as such, nor should photographers, whether professional, amateur or your average "anything-fan" be treated as criminals in the name of "safety" or "security".

And Jim, in your case, it might not be a bad idea to send along an experience anyway. It may induce other state affiliations to join in in a potential class action federal suit with respect to the Patriot Act. It can't hurt.

[AMoreira81]

Speaking of this lawsuit, I do believe one of the members of the SubChat message board is a plaintiff in the suit...I hope it turns out for the best.