Richardson, TX asked in Criminal Law, Civil Rights and Juvenile Law for Florida

Q: Can a person video a minor being place in a police car

A neighbor videoed a 12 yr old in handcuffs being escorted out of his house and placed into a police vehicle with 6 police officers

2 Lawyer Answers

A: Generally, it's legal to video record anything taking place in public, where an incident can be viewed by strangers who happen to be present. Some people video record arrests or other police activity, knowing the police see them, to prevent police misconduct and to report it if it occurs.

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Answered

A: In general, people are allowed to record events happening in public places, including police activity, as long as they do not interfere with law enforcement. If the incident occurred outside and the person filming was on their own property or in a public space, it is usually legal to record. However, there are some privacy concerns when it comes to minors, especially if the video is shared publicly.

It's important to consider how the video is used. Posting or distributing videos of minors without consent can lead to legal issues, especially if the minor’s identity is easily recognized. There may also be local or state laws that provide further protection for the privacy of minors.

If you're worried about the situation, you can seek legal advice or talk to the authorities to better understand the rules in your area. It's important to balance the right to document public events with the privacy rights of others.

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