Photo Phobia

Its a bit unfortunate that the police and security professionals that are on the front lines are so focused on ALL photography that they may actually be missing the "real terrorists" (who according to the Popular Mechanics article, do not use photography as part of their prep work for an attack). I liked the idea of more cameras in the hands of more people will make public areas SAFER and not the opposite.
 
stewmander said:
Its a bit unfortunate that the police and security professionals that are on the front lines are so focused on ALL photography that they may actually be missing the "real terrorists" (who according to the Popular Mechanics article, do not use photography as part of their prep work for an attack). I liked the idea of more cameras in the hands of more people will make public areas SAFER and not the opposite.
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That makes sense, and could help as a future argument for our freedom as photographers...

Cheers,

Juan
 
Reading this I was a little bit surprised. It sounds like the police can enforce an own interpretation of the law in the US. That's what normally happens in 3rd world countries or dictatorships I thought.
 
stewmander said:
I liked the idea of more cameras in the hands of more people will make public areas SAFER and not the opposite.
Click to expand...

If this leads to everybody is photographing everbody, I can't see that it makes things safer. Many people don't feel comfortable when they are being photographed in public. Many people in that mood don't make a safe and friendly environment.
 
In 1972 I was filming (in 8mm) the police hassling a bunch of teenagers who where simply swimming in a local canal and bothering no one (a common and harmless activity then). This was in suburban Miami. The police told me to turn off the camera or be arrested. The cops in those days would often beat you within in inch of your life if they got you in jail so I capitulated. Today I'd probably stand my ground, but I was just 16 then!
 
I dont think people will be going around photographing everyone all the time in public places...I am just thinking that taking photos of buildings, streets, cars, etc. in everyday public places increases the odds that perhaps you will catch a suspecious character lurking about, or even in the act of a crime. The photo can then be used to identify, catch, or prevent a terrorist act. Like the article said, often times police ask the public to provide any information about a suspect, including any photos taken that might be valuable in finding the suspect or placing him at the scene of a crime.
 
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