Thursday, August 23, 2012

Photographing and filming police officers in Canada

The Ottawa Citizen has a very good editorial on the practice of police intimidation of citizens who use their cellphone cameras and other devices to record the police.

Here's a summary of what Canadians should know about this:

  • There is no law in Canada that prevents a member of the public from taking photographs or video in a public place (other than some limitations related to sensitive defense installations);
  • There is no law in Canada that prevents a member of the public from taking photographs or video of a police officer executing his or her duties in public or in a location lawfully controlled by the photographer (in fact, police officers have no privacy rights in public when executing their duties);
  • Preventing a person from taking photos or video is a prima facie infringement of a person's Charter rights;
  • You cannot interfere with a police officer's lawful execution of his or her duties, but taking photos or videos does not, in and of itself, constitute interference;
  • A police officer cannot take your phone or camera simply for recording him or her, as long as you were not obstructing;
  • These privileges are not reserved to media -- everyone has these rights;
  • A police officer cannot make you unlock your phone to show him or her your images; and
  • A police officer cannot make you delete any photos.

Here's the Citizen's editorial:

Watching the watchmen

Every Ontarian should read the Police Services Act’s Code of Conduct, especially the part in Section 30 that says an officer engages in discreditable conduct when he or she “uses profane, abusive or insulting language or is otherwise uncivil to a member of the public.”

This reminder is necessary given what appears to be a predilection on the part of some police to order citizens to cease using cellphones or video cameras to record officers in the public performance of their duties.

The fact is, police have no sweeping authority under Canadian law to order people to stop taking pictures or videos of them in public or confiscate their devices without a court order. Certainly, police can arrest anyone who wilfully obstructs them while taking pictures, but even then they have no automatic right to seize the device, much less delete its contents.

Unfortunately, say observers, too many police think otherwise. And even if they know better, they too often use the excuse of obstruction and the threat of arrest to cover their illegal demands.

“Increasingly, people are being arrested, charged or even assaulted by police officers, merely for attempting to take photos or videos of officers at work,” says lawyer Karen Selick, who wrote on the topic last week in the National Post. “Often, police simply command people to stop photographing. Scared into thinking they must be breaking some law, citizens comply.”

“Police are being caught on camera and they don’t like it,” says Carleton University criminologist Darryl Davies. “But contrary to what the police may feel about the use of this technology to record their activities, there is no restriction on people taking pictures.”

“There is nothing in the Criminal Code that would directly prohibit someone taking pictures of officers in the performance of their duties in public,” says Abby Deshman, Director of the Public Safety Program at the Canadian Civil Liberties Association. “They can tell you to move away but they don’t have the right to stop you taking pictures.”

Deshman says the association has been contacted by several people complaining of “feeling intimidated or threatened with charges by police for taking pictures of them in public.”

The most infamous case in Canada in this cops versus cameras confrontation is undoubtedly that of Robert Dziekanski, the Polish visitor, who died after he was tasered at the Vancouver airport in 2007. A bystander captured the tragedy on video. The RCMP seized the camera and the owner had to threaten court proceedings to get it back.

In Selick’s account, a client whose property was being searched by police asked friends to videotape the event. The police, however, forbade them taking pictures. They also confiscated the cellphones of three others they thought connected to Selick’s client when they searched their homes. The photos taken on one phone were even deleted. According to Selick, when the phone’s owner complained, police responded: “We can do whatever we want.”

No they can’t. So, what should you do when a police officer (or, for that matter, a self-important security guard, pompous park warden, officious bylaw officer or any other badge-carrying public servant) tells you to stop taking pictures?

Davies offers this advice: Politely and respectfully inform them that they have no authority to issue such an order, that there is no law in Canada that forbids you taking pictures in a public space, and if they act aggressively toward you or threaten to seize your advice, calmly inform them they will face an official complaint and, possibly, criminal charges of illegal search-and-seizure.

As a society, we give large-scale powers to police. However, cellphones and video cameras readily expose how those powers can be abused. And as Davies remarks, “that is why the presence of this technology is being resisted by some police. They don’t want to be caught on camera doing what they have always done.”

Policing is a tough and risky job. Officers confront the worst of human nature. It is also true that subduing someone can appear excessively violent to an outside observer when, in fact, the controlled use of violence may be the safest thing for both the suspect and the officer. Police officers may think those who question their authority — or take pictures of them — raise the risk threshold. Thus, they react aggressively.

But unwarranted aggressiveness is a symptom of inadequacy and, indeed, compensation for the insecurity born of that inadequacy. In this regard, more psychological testing of police officers over the course of their career might be warranted. Police cadets take a psychological examination when they join the force, but considering the nature of the job and the effects of police culture — that thin blue line mentality that regards anyone not wearing the badge with skepticism — periodic testing every, say, five years might prove worthwhile.

Citizens should always be respectful of police, but the greater onus is on the police to respect the citizen — even when they are taking pictures that might embarrass officers — because they have sworn an oath to uphold the law.

Possessing a badge and a gun is not an excuse for petty tyranny. The police exist to ensure the safety of the public, not control the public.

Update (2013-11-09): If you are interested in this topic, you'll also want to read this: Canadian Privacy Law Blog: Yes, you can photograph or video police in public in Canada.

64 comments:

John said...

Thank for this.

It is very clear in respect of public space, but so little space these days is public. What are the rules in a shopping mall, or on public transit? Does the owner or the leasee of a space have the right to restrict the taking of photos of, for example, the security guards removing a person from the mall?

What about when a drunken passenger spits on a transit driver? Do I have right to take that video and post it?

I'm pro-privacy and a photographer, which means that I tend to focus on pictures of friends and landscapes. Pictures of strangers on the street...not so much!

Anonymous said...

Thanks, David!

arbuckle said...

Wouldn't posting the photos or videos online potentially breach privacy laws in Quebec? E.g., the Supreme Court of Canada case of Aubry v. Éditions Vice-Versa inc., in which a photo was of a person in public was published in a magazine without that person's permission.

privacylawyer said...

@John, as I understand it, anyone who controls property can set the terms by which people can enter the property and how the can act on it. So an owner of private property can say that nobody on the property can take photographs (which has no impact on someone off the property taking photos from the outside-in). About a transit driver, the rules may be different because they would not be doing it as a private citizen but as an employee of the transit company. So what rules apply to the employer likely apply to the employee.

@Arbuckle, as I understand it, it would depend on the use of the photos. If used in a journalistic way (and not commercial), I would at least argue that the use is protected by the Canadian Charter and any rule that limits that usage is unconstitutional. But others may disagree...

Warren Bulmer said...

Hi all

As a Police Officer, I have no issue with a citizen filming or recording me in the performance of my duties. Police officers should not fear this because in most cases if acting accordingly and doing what you have authority to do it actually supports your version of events. It is the best evidence.

The only comment I would make is to the citizens who engage in recording Police in action. Please be advised that by doing so you will likely become a compellable witness in a criminal prosecution or a disciplinary hearing against an officer who was engaged in misconduct. You may have to attend court on multiple occasions and miss work probably without pay. Your phone or device may become subpoenaed or the subject of a court order or a search warrant and therefore lost to you for several months or years.

I commend article for highlighting this issue.


privacylawyer said...

Thanks for highlighting that, Warren.

It's worth noting that many police departments and other law enforcement agencies have started using dashboard-mounted cameras and even wearable cameras. The rationale is that they not only protect the public against police misconduct, but also protect the police against untrue allegations of misconduct. I haven't seen any reviews of their effectiveness, however.

For example, Taser has been heavily marketing their AXON FLEX On-Officer Camera. Part of their sales pitch is that it:

Improves behavior of all parties during police interactions.

Reduces false complaints and lawsuits by accurately capturing video from the officer’s perspective.

Enhances public trust and creates safer communities at a lower cost.

seand said...

Good read, and very important public information for a free and democratic society. But, how would you go about handling such a situation? Couldn't a police officer wrongfully just charge you with obstruction of justice, or an otherwise unrelated charge to prevent you from recording, and force you to defend yourself in Court? Also, what are the "limitations related to sensitive defense installations" you refer to in point 1? What could be the possible outcome if you violate these limitations? Just interested in the subject! Let me know if you have a minute and thanks!

Anonymous said...

Recording video or audio of officer misconduct and releasing it to the media is a good idea. Do not give them your name and make sure they cannot trace it back to you. Instead of getting ionvolved, just pass the footage onto the media which will be far more effective. The officer commenting on this article is accurate and you can be asked to testify and also provided the recording gear. But if you supply it to the media agency, the media agency lawyer will most likly fight to keep your identity secret and there is no need for you to go to court or lose your gear. In my opinion the officer is just tryingto keep people from sharing controversial footage since he does not share any alternative method of releasing the footage.

privacylawyer said...

@seand - The Security of Information Act, which may not be constitutional, deals with collecting or disseminating information about "prohibited places", which are defined pretty broadly. Click on the link to see the statute and read the definition. Way broad.

@anonymous - Anyone who is a witness to anything relevant and at issue in a criminal proceeding (regardless of whether there is police misconduct involved) can be compelled to give evidence about what they saw. Anyone who is visibly recording it would obviously be of interest for the real evidence they would have collected.

Karl said...

I have experienced the police "upset" at being recorded first hand. Although police have no right to stop you from recording a situation they can punish you for doing so. In my case I recorded a police take down in the lobby of a hotel I was staying at, keeping my distance from the scene, and for my trouble I was arrested and charged with assaulting a peace officer and obstructing a peace officer. I also had my phone taken as evidence. Got a cracked rib and bruises for exercising my right to record. Be aware that although you might be within your legal rights you face an uphill battle for exercising them.

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting this article. I have a question regarding the use of dash mounted camera's and the posting of videos of driver's breaking traffic laws, i.e. no signaling of turning/lane changes, passing on the shoulder, using hand held electronic devices ( I'm in Ontario ), tailgating etc. When these videos are posted and the licence plates or faces of the drivers are visible, do these have to be "blurred" out so they aren't recognizable? I've seen many postings on video sharing websites where this is the case that everything is visible. These are Canadian, and more specifically Greater Toronto Area related videos that I watched. Sorry if this comment isn't relating to the recording of police, but more out on the roadways.

Anonymous said...

I'm curious about how this applies to Canadian hospitals, which, if I understand correctly, are considered public space but not public property, even when they are mainly funded with government finances?

Does a person have right to take photographs in Canadian hospitals?

privacylawyer said...

About hospitals ... publicly owned doesn't necessarily equal a "public place" or a "public space". Many hospitals have policies regulating photography on their property.

Anonymous said...

I was stopped by police many times(British Columbia)for petty stuff, burnt out signal light which turned into a drug search by a cop dog and three cops on the side of the road for three hours
Because I was a bit cold,nervous and shaken i looked "suspicius"....I am quite positive
Being nervous, is quite a regular and common occurrence with the public...I dont believe it justifies probable cause to search me,and hold me on the side of the Road for hours,screaming at me telling me I have pounds of dope in my car and hours later coming up with nothing...I recently read an article a woman in the states,I believe Texas, came upon a road block...she slowed from 67 to 59mph
and the cops ran in their car turned around followed her for a distance,then pulled her over on the claim of lane swerving and traveling over the fog line...the police dash cam showed different also a judge ruled actions like,shaking,sweating,inability nervousness are natural interactions when people come across an law authority and does not justify a pull over,let alone turning around to follow someone
I've had multiple interactions like the one I stated above with police,this by far the worst in terms of amount of police over nothing...I've NEVER had a cop help me, not once! Tons of power trippin Bullying
Cops Tho who have little to no knowledge of law
It's a joke to deal with them to say the least

Anonymous said...

Approval of my comments? That's in violation of my free speech rights

Anonymous said...

Thank you for this informative article. I have just one question. If one is filming police officers in operation and possibly in the midst of police misconduct, and they notice you are filming, do they have a right to confiscate your recording equipment as evidence on the scene? And if you refuse can they charge you with obstruction of justice if you don't hand it over immediately?

It would seem that they can use that excuse to forcibly take your equipment and lock you in jail, and in the meantime delete any evidence and the one filming will be in a lot of hot water with no evidence and having to defend oneself and pay lawyer fees.

RoryCorn said...

I'm curious about the answer to the comment posted directly above as well.

I know someone who used their cell-phone to film the Police arresting someone on the side of the road. After the arrest had taken place, and the suspect was carted off to jail, one Officer approached him and asked him if he had videotaped the incident. My friend informed the Officer that he had, and the Officer told him that he would have to seize the cell-phone.

My friend refused to hand over the cell-phone, stating that he believed the Officer needed a warrant in order to legally seize it. The Officer informed him that this was not the case, and that he was legally allowed to seize the cell-phone without any warrant, because it contained "evidence" relating to a Police investigation.

My friend even offered to accompany the Officer to the Police station, where he would allow them to make a copy of the video. But, the Officer refused, and demanded that he hand-over the entire phone. The Officer then threatened to charge him with withholding evidence and obstructing a Police Officer if he didn't hand-over the cell phone.

With that, my friend acquiesced, and gave up the cell-phone. He did, eventually, get the cell-phone back - fully intact, undamaged and unaltered.

Was this legal? Can they seize a recording device if you used it to film them arresting someone?

This happened in Ontario.

Drew Mason said...

My lawyer friend encountered a situation like this. The officer confronted him when he tried to take a photograph of him while standing in line. It's a good thing my friend know all about these laws so the police can't do anything about it.

Pascal said...

Hi, I have filmed and uploaded footage of tactical police officers on youtube (video here: youtu.be/G2hk33tR6MU) and now a detective wants to meet me to talk about it. He won't say exactly what the nature of the interview will be but he told me I'm not under arrest and that I am involved in his investigation. My question is what law could I have possibly violated in this case?

privacylawyer said...

I can't give legal advice through blog comments, but I would suggest you contact a lawyer in your jurisdiction who may be able to provide some guidance. Alternatively, you can ask him to provide you with his questions in writing to determine the scope of your involvement in his investigation.

Anonymous said...

I was taking pictures inside a public space at a City of Ottawa swimming pool from the stands of my kid's swimming lesson. I was told that I was not allowed by the city staff and they posted a sign saying I had to ask permission first and after that they would watch over me and tell me who I could take pictures of etc... As I understand it, in a public space, they should not be allowed to restrict photography, yet they have. And I also asked what would happen if I did not comply and they said they would ask me to leave. If I did not leave then I would be charged with trespassing. This seems to fly in the face of what the charter says... thoughts?

Anonymous said...

Police misconduct is usually hidden from the public and these cops who regularly act inappropriately know how to get around anyone taking an incriminating photo or video depicting them acting outside the law.

try and prove anything if there are two of them and just you on the street, your camera pics get deleted or video and you have to prove that happened , good luck !

Justice League said...

The cellphone/smartphone is a very effective weapon to punish bad cops.

If you are in a potentially hostile situation where you feel the police are going to try to unlawfully take your phone...stop recording and send what footage you have -- to a freind, family member, etc. Once that footage is out there, then taking your phone and deleting the video will proove meaningless for the police.

The second best thing to do, if you feel you won't have the time to send the video, is to save it to your memory card. There is software available to retrieve deleted video from your phone once the police hand it back to you, if they do.

Failing all of this, keep in mind that surveillance cameras are usually everywhere. If the police are caught in view of these cameras taking your phone and/or committing the misconduct or criminal activity which you may have videotaped, you can always try and get the security video (if any) from the place of business, neighbouring businesses, or a nearby school. This, of course, is one of the first things police do whenever a crime is committed so you do the same (this is strongly recommended for victims of police brutality).

Finally, if police unlawfully charge you with obstruction of justice, file suit against the police service Board. Obstructing police, if I'm not mistaken, involves preventing police from performing their LAWFULL duties and it must have been your willfull intent do so...and the police must proove obstruction beyond a reasonable doubt. It is also a legal defense if you were on the scene for a purpose other than to obstruct police.


* As we've seen in high-profile cases in Canada and the United States, mobile phone and surveillance camera video are devastatingly effective at nailing police who engage in, among other things, perjury...obstruction of justice...breach of trust...assault!

Justice League said...

The cellphone/smartphone is a very effective weapon to punish bad cops.

If you are in a potentially hostile situation where you feel the police are going to try to unlawfully take your phone...stop recording and send what footage you have -- to a freind, family member, etc. Once that footage is out there, then taking your phone and deleting the video will proove meaningless for the police.

The second best thing to do, if you feel you won't have the time to send the video, is to save it to your memory card. There is software available to retrieve deleted video from your phone once the police hand it back to you, if they do.

Failing all of this, keep in mind that surveillance cameras are usually everywhere. If the police are caught in view of these cameras taking your phone and/or committing the misconduct or criminal activity which you may have videotaped, you can always try and get the security video (if any) from the place of business, neighbouring businesses, or a nearby school. This, of course, is one of the first things police do whenever a crime is committed so you do the same (this is strongly recommended for victims of police brutality).

Finally, if police unlawfully charge you with obstruction of justice, file suit against the police service Board. Obstructing police, if I'm not mistaken, involves preventing police from performing their LAWFULL duties and it must have been your willfull intent do so...and the police must proove obstruction beyond a reasonable doubt. It is also a legal defense if you were on the scene for a purpose other than to obstruct police.


* As we've seen in high-profile cases in Canada and the United States, mobile phone and surveillance camera video are devastatingly effective at nailing police who engage in, among other things, perjury...obstruction of justice...breach of trust...assault!

Justice League said...

The cellphone/smartphone is a very effective weapon to punish bad cops.

If you are in a potentially hostile situation where you feel the police are going to try to unlawfully take your phone...stop recording and send what footage you have -- to a freind, family member, etc. Once that footage is out there, then taking your phone and deleting the video will proove meaningless for the police.

The second best thing to do, if you feel you won't have the time to send the video, is to save it to your memory card. There is software available to retrieve deleted video from your phone once the police hand it back to you, if they do.

Failing all of this, keep in mind that surveillance cameras are usually everywhere. If the police are caught in view of these cameras taking your phone and/or committing the misconduct or criminal activity which you may have videotaped, you can always try and get the security video (if any) from the place of business, neighbouring businesses, or a nearby school. This, of course, is one of the first things police do whenever a crime is committed so you do the same (this is strongly recommended for victims of police brutality).

Finally, if police unlawfully charge you with obstruction of justice, file suit against the police service Board. Obstructing police, if I'm not mistaken, involves preventing police from performing their LAWFULL duties and it must have been your willfull intent do so...and the police must proove obstruction beyond a reasonable doubt. It is also a legal defense if you were on the scene for a purpose other than to obstruct police.


* As we've seen in high-profile cases in Canada and the United States, mobile phone and surveillance camera video are devastatingly effective at nailing police who engage in, among other things, perjury...obstruction of justice...breach of trust...assault!

Anonymous said...

I was in the LCBO (liquor store in Ontario) and the guy at the counter was telling people that it is illegal to take pictures in the liquor store. I had never heard that before and have taken pictures myself of wine I wanted to try so I would remember the name.
Now after googling for an hour I still can't find anything that says it is or isn't illegal to take pictures in the liquor store.
Is it illegal??

privacylawyer said...

Though the LCBO is owned by the province, LCBO stores are still private property. Any private property owner can attach conditions to entry to their establishments, including rules like no photography. Whether that was a legitimate rule for that store is another question entirely.

John said...

Hi David,

I live in a condominium apartment in Toronto Ontario, I had a non-violent verbal disagreement with the manager, and she called the cops on me. When the two cops asked me to come in the office, they did not let my sister come inside the office with me to be a witness to the conversation between them, myself, and the manager (a few board of directors were also inside the office with the manager). Since I felt threatened with the situation by myself, I started recording with my camera phone and asked to videotape everything for my records. One of the cops told me that I was not allowed to videotape and smacked my hand away with my phone when I raised the phone to film his face while he was saying this (his face was about 3ft away from my phone). I became concerned with that and complied to turn off my phone camera. Do you feel that my rights may have been violated in this situation? Is it worth filing a complaint against this officer (I briefly caught his name on the video) or he'll just get a slap on the wrist & I've just made a new enemy? Thanks

privacylawyer said...

You need legal advice, which is something that can't be provided through a blog comment. I'd suggest you find a lawyer in your area with experience with criminal law and with police complaints.

Anonymous said...

Recording police may be all fun and games to the photographer, but not to the officers who are the subject of the candid camera.

Publishing their likeness may in fact expose them and or their families to dangers concerning undercover work, or retribution from criminals.

Think about that the next time you point a camera.

Anonymous said...

"Recording police may be all fun and games to the photographer, but not to the officers who are the subject of the candid camera"

Nice try cop. If the law says I can, and not obstruct, then kiss my butt. Police are public servants, they work for us !

Unknown said...

Every response is.. contact a lawyer. People don't have endless resources to defend their rights if wrongly charged in an incident such as filming -> obstructing a police/peace officer. If you are charged without sufficient or lawful evidence and are fully acquitted you are still financially in the hole and wasted endless hours of your time defending yourself and in cuffs.

What part of this system is justice? You are punished irregardless of the outcome, just varying severity. The idea of experiencing that makes me sick.

Bruce Dean (professional recreationalist) said...

Unfortunately, this all looks good on paper, but in reality, there is NO police accountability.

I've had my camera ripped from my hands by police, I had images erased by police, I've had my camera searched by police multiple times, and I've been ordered by police to not take photos on several occasions, and all of this is supported by the the Office of the Police Complaints Commission.

"Although Cst. Hynes had the power to seize Dean's entire camera [without a warrant or arrest], it appears that he inconvenienced Dean less by simply deleting the images in question and then returning the camera to him."
(The Office of the Police Complaints Commissioner)

"[Dean’s] complaint and the outcome is a classic example of why we have no faith in the police complaints system in B.C."
(David Eby, Executive Director of the B. C. Civil Liberties Assoc.)

http://brucedean.blogspot.ca/

Unknown said...

Does the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act apply to individuals? Do police have any responsibility when it comes to the protection of privacy?
Law enforcement
14. (1) A head may refuse to disclose a record where the disclosure could reasonably be expected to,
(a) interfere with a law enforcement matter;
(b) interfere with an investigation undertaken with a view to a law enforcement proceeding or from which a law enforcement proceeding is likely to result;
(c) reveal investigative techniques and procedures currently in use or likely to be used in law enforcement;
(d) disclose the identity of a confidential source of information in respect of a law enforcement matter, or disclose information furnished only by the confidential source;
(e) endanger the life or physical safety of a law enforcement officer or any other person;
(f) deprive a person of the right to a fair trial or impartial adjudication;
(g) interfere with the gathering of or reveal law enforcement intelligence information respecting organizations or persons;
(h) reveal a record which has been confiscated from a person by a peace officer in accordance with an Act or regulation;
(i) endanger the security of a building or the security of a vehicle carrying items, or of a system or procedure established for the protection of items, for which protection is reasonably required;
(j) facilitate the escape from custody of a person who is under lawful detention;
(k) jeopardize the security of a centre for lawful detention; or
James Daw

privacylawyer said...

Thanks for your comment. That legislation (which exists in each province and territory, with some variation) applies to government institutions or public bodies, not private individuals.

Daphne said...

With regards to the hospital question.. There is a law called the PHIPA (Personal Health Information Privacy Act) that states that, for as much as it is possible, your health information cannot be shared. Taking photos inside a hospital breaches this. Even if I want to tape-record my clients, I have to get valid and informed consent to do so. Hospitals are not public property. They are publicly funded private property. Just like schools. Also note that taking video/pictures of a child is illegal without their parent's permission.

privacylawyer said...

Thanks for that, Daphne. PHIPA, and its equivalents outside of Ontario, only apply to "health information custodians" which does not include the general public. That law does not preclude the general public from taking photos in hospitals. Hospital policies may prohibit photos, however, as a condition of entry onto the property.

I'd also note that I'm not familiar with any law in Canada that requires parental consent to take photos of children. In a public place, no consent is required to photograph a person regardless of age. It may be creepy, but as I said, I'm not familiar with a law that prohibits it.

Anonymous said...

A photographers rights in Canada are:
It is legal to photograph anyone in a public place.
Except for places that a certain level of privacy it expected EG: Wash-rooms/change-rooms, and minor children.
End of story.

Anonymous said...

I work in EMS. Often when called to assist someone in public places we frequently have people videoing the scene. While I think we have established that the police or other responders can be recorded, does an injured or ill member of the public have any right to an expectation of privacy when in a public place?

Maintaining a patients privacy is a goal for EMS workers. Certainly the standard is very high when it comes to protecting patient information. But maintaining privacy is often very difficult when patient care occurs in a public place.

Luke said...

Does this also apply to border crossings in Canada and US?

Anonymous said...

I received this important e-mail from an informant with the RCMP in Canada. The RCMP and the Canadian Government for many years have been targeting and disabling the victims with Microwave Weapons.

And you think you have privacy laws in Canada. Torture is happening to people like you, all over the world.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cawl5rNd620

Presidential Bioethics Commission Testimony.

http://vimeo.com/50208624

Dr. Barrie Trower and Dr. Henning Witte

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvn-8ITy0oc

British Intelligence Scientist Dr. Barrie Trower

http://www.freedomfchs.com/attorneylettertoleahy.pdf

WILSON LAW CENTER

http://www.planningsanity.co.uk/reports/trower.htm

Confidential Report on TETRA Strictly for the Police Federation.

http://www.projectcensored.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/ElectromegnaticWeapons.pdf

University of Sonoma Human Rights and Electro-Magnetic Weapons

http://www.freedomfchs.com/usarmyrptonmicrowavefx.pdf

U.S. ARMY DECLASSIFIED DOCUMENT Bio Effects of Selected Nonlethal Weapons

http://martinacable99.wordpress.com/2012/11/12/targeted-individuals-psychotronics-the-invisible-spectrum-decoded-2/

Special Targeted Individual Report

http://www.rfcheck.com/news/The-Invisible-Threat-Radiofrequency-Radiation-Risk.php

The Invisible Threat: Radio frequency Radiation Risk Source: National Law Review. Video from cell phone industry

Anonymous said...

I think the biggest concern is what constitutes a 'public place'. Or more so, what isn't included.

bank?
school?
park?
mall?
etc. etc.

Anonymous said...

With regards to border crossings - Border Service Officers in Canada work with different Acts than Police Officers such as the Customs Act. Under the Customs Act, any Border Services Officer can have access to passwords for electronic devices & legally access all items being imported into Canada such as cell phones, computers & cameras.

Anonymous said...

With regards to border crossings - Border Service Officers in Canada work with different Acts than Police Officers such as the Customs Act. Under the Customs Act, any Border Services Officer can have access to passwords for electronic devices & legally access all items being imported into Canada such as cell phones, computers & cameras.

Anonymous said...

Does this hold true in regard to the military? Just curious

Thanks for the great post.

Anonymous said...

Regarding officer McPig there whos obviously watching you and assigned to you as your personal asshat, i will defend myself with deadly force(shoot you in the face) if you attempt to come at me aggressively, or even put your hand on your gun. In canada you have the right to defend yourself against unlawful search and seizure, and unlawful detainment. That being said, he is obviously trying to intimidate and scare any 'would be' recordings of his wrongdoing.

It is extremely irritating to hear people say that recording police somehow endangers them, this is in no way true and another lie by a shill to get people scared. Police are already on the watch list of gangs, and if they know who they are already, they most certainly have access to their family, they are not scouring the web/youtube. A good solution is for those officers to quit, maybe try finding a job that doesnt make you into a narcissist power-drunk psychopath?

When the people become the enemy, the state has turned into a military dictatorship. And from the police state today, with cops obviously not following the law, allowed to lie and coerce unlawfully, politicians with jobs for life and deep pockets, I fear we are all soon going to be round up and put into concentration camps.

For those fearing obstruction, just know that if you arn't streaming your video to the web, there will be no evidence of them raping you in the ass with billy clubs and then beating you to death, fear that, dont fear obstruction. fear them tasering you to death in a crowded airport full of witnesses.

@Kyle Bateman irrigardless isn't a word. You must be piglit #3. But your point, even though damnigly scarey and warding off any more 'would be' recordings, is a valid one, and there is no justice. in fact the justice system is an Inhuman monster. To be humane you must first be human. These societal organizations have only come about to destroy humanity, in the greatest hopes they will save it. People have done the most horrific things, throughout time, with the best intentions at heart.

Anonymous said...

Regarding officer McPig there whos obviously watching you and assigned to you as your personal asshat, i will defend myself with deadly force(shoot you in the face) if you attempt to come at me aggressively, or even put your hand on your gun. In canada you have the right to defend yourself against unlawful search and seizure, and unlawful detainment. That being said, he is obviously trying to intimidate and scare any 'would be' recordings of his wrongdoing.

It is extremely irritating to hear people say that recording police somehow endangers them, this is in no way true and another lie by a shill to get people scared. Police are already on the watch list of gangs, and if they know who they are already, they most certainly have access to their family, they are not scouring the web/youtube. A good solution is for those officers to quit, maybe try finding a job that doesnt make you into a narcissist power-drunk psychopath?

When the people become the enemy, the state has turned into a military dictatorship. And from the police state today, with cops obviously not following the law, allowed to lie and coerce unlawfully, politicians with jobs for life and deep pockets, I fear we are all soon going to be round up and put into concentration camps.

For those fearing obstruction, just know that if you arn't streaming your video to the web, there will be no evidence of them raping you in the ass with billy clubs and then beating you to death, fear that, dont fear obstruction. fear them tasering you to death in a crowded airport full of witnesses.

@Kyle Bateman irrigardless isn't a word. You must be piglit #3. But your point, even though damnigly scarey and warding off any more 'would be' recordings, is a valid one, and there is no justice. in fact the justice system is an Inhuman monster. To be humane you must first be human. These societal organizations have only come about to destroy humanity, in the greatest hopes they will save it. People have done the most horrific things, throughout time, with the best intentions at heart.

Unknown said...

David if you are ever in Montreal you should come speak at my school. I study commercial photography at Dawson College and you have a wealth of information that I know myself and my peers could really benefit from.

Thanks so much for all this great information and discussion.

Unknown said...

David if you are ever in Montreal you should come speak at my school. I study commercial photography at Dawson College and you have a wealth of information that I know myself and my peers could really benefit from.

Thanks so much for all this great information and discussion.

Eroded Freedom said...

I personally find the below story somewhat bizarre for a couple of reasons.

(1) Detective Theresa Garagan, of the Calgary Police Service, states in the video link below: “There is no privacy where their at but the fact he admitted to taking the videotape for his sexual pleasure that’s where the voyeurism comes in in this instance.” [emphasis added]

(2) In R. v. Keough, 2011 ABQB, paragraphs 156-158;

[156] It seems to me that the reasoning in R. v. Rudiger is, in a certain sense, problematic; how can the openness of viewing dictate the expectation of privacy? Paragraph 39 seems to imply that the offender would not have offended s. 162(1) had he openly recorded the children and their activities. Why would a person have a different expectation of privacy in the same physical locus doing the very same activities when that person is openly observed rather than viewed from concealment?

[157] Further, R. v. Rudiger appears to make the purpose of the viewing a factor in whether a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy. Put in the context of the present matter, why would two persons in a room engaged in sex have a lower expectation of privacy when a third person entered that room by accident, than when the third party attempted to spy on the couple’s activities?

[158] With respect, I believe that the approach taken in R. v. Rudiger is not correct, and that a privacy expectation must relate to character of the location or space where the viewing occurs, and the usual activities and uses of that space. An expectation of privacy does not relate to the manner or intention under which that location or space is observed. In R. v. Rudiger the three separate components of the actus reus for s. 162(1) have ‘bled’ together. I conclude each should be assessed on its own.

ttp://calgary.ctvnews.ca/police-charge-man-with-voyeurism-1.1460284

iAmScrewed.pw said...

"Anonymous said...
Approval of my comments? That's in violation of my free speech rights
February 01, 2013 8:23 pm"


Well you see, this is a private website... So certain freedoms don't apply on the internet.

Anonymous said...

This is a great blog. Plain, useful and informative.
thx.

Quantum Canuck said...

The bottom line is, we live in a world where "the eye" is almost always watching us and those meant to protect us. If misconduct is happening or an enforcer of the legal system is unsure if his/her actions are legitimately justifiable, then the intimidations will ensue. Protect yourself and your rights. The more this is done, the more refined the laws will become. For all those who are just plain paranoid....YES, THEY ARE WATCHING YOU.

Unknown said...

I am totally agree with you. I also live in Canada and I am also facing such problems. I recommend you to find out a good lawyer in this case because he can help you perfectly.

Unknown said...

Can a cop impound my car from my garage with out a warrent I blew .09 but I got parked at home first they aressted me did not read me my rights and when released provided me with no paperwork I have called numerous times to get my paperwork or release my car the only thing they gave me is a file number

Unknown said...

I don't like my security at my condo.
Is it illegal to tape the security and show the manager?

Unknown said...

I have arguing with my nanny inside my house...and i did not know that shes recording our conversation...without my knowledge..do you think what she did is illegal...

Jessie said...

I was reading the posted question about canadian hospitals. I have a question. Is it legal for the hospital to have surveillance in the hospital rooms? I believe the hospital where I am from does. And I am very concerned with the fact that while I was incapacitated and my privates were exposed, that I was being filmed, but all evidence seems to point that way.

privacylawyer said...

@Jessie - I would ask the hospital about the practice, whether they have cameras, whether they are recording and who has access to the recordings. Every hospital in Canada should have a privacy officer who can answer your questions.

Unknown said...

You must ask a persons permission before you take a picture of them if they are to be clearly identifiable within the image.

uXu said...

Try recording a police officer anywhere within the Durham Region. If they see that you are recording them, or even if they think you are, you are risking bodily injury and at risk of criminal charges.

Magnum Protective Services said...

I am totally agree with you. I also live in Canada and I am also facing such problems. I recommend you to find out a good lawyer in this case because he can help you perfectly.

Unknown said...

That's good to know. Thanks!!!

film the police said...

I am in B.c and the rcmp will steel your memory card if you film something that makes them look bad, it happened to me. he came up to take my camera i held the strap and told him no so he removed my memory card and walk away claiming it was evidence. I went to the rcmp office the next day to see when i would get it back, they had no card. The officer that took my card was destroying evidence not preserving it like i was told when he took it. I went to a layer to ask if he could help find my card. When he called the rcmp he was told my card was never there or even taken as evidence. It came down my word vs 4 rcmp steeling and covering up what they do.

from what i have bin told by layers there is nothing illegal about filming rcmp from a safe distance well they do there job. If you see them film them, i will from now on, if you see someone filming cops stay back a bit and film them to. if the cops say the first person was to close and arrest them or steel there video then your video might be what helps. A uncut video can not lie, the rcmp can and well lie to you or the judge. We need to film the police more.