Q: Doing new story on Prison built in 1850 was trespass without being on property
City near me has a self-guided walking tour map. Decided to do a new story on it and start it with a prison that was built in 1850. Prison is located in the middle of the city. I never left the city sidewalk, public easement and was trespassed from prison property by local police. Deputy sheriff officially detained me for videotaping him, said I violated Pennsylvania wiretap Act for recording him. Got trespassed for no crime committed. Local television station video tape the prison from the same exact spot that I was at, 4 years prior. As an independent journalist, I cannot do any more stories about this prison. I know this prison has one civil rights violation and also needs attention with handicap access signage. I was told no crime was committed, and I need to file suit. Police acted under color of law. Deputy used Pennsylvania wiretap Act in a way to censor the press. You are allowed to videotape, when they are in their official capacity as law enforcement thanks
A: The wiretap act has no application to video that I am aware of. Contact the Pennsylvania Civil Liberties Union--sounds like the type of case that they may be able to get a law school clinic to bring on your behalf.
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