44Heavy From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3 posts, RR: 0 Posted (2 years 2 weeks 4 days 8 hours ago) and read 2368 times:
Having taken 4 or 5 years off from spotting, I attempted to revive my interest in this hobby last evening along the 30L arrival just inside Fort Snelling State Park. After photographing 3 arrivals, I was approached by an Airport Police Officer. He immediately asked me to leave the area, describing my photography as "suspicious." When I asked if aviation photography was illegal at this location, he stated that "it makes pilots nervous." He asked me to leave again, at which point I asked what law or ordinance I was violating. He had no answer, but was clearly very irritated with me in voice and body posture. As he was walking back to his cruiser, he said, "You keep taking pictures, but if I have to come back here to investigate a suspicious persons report, you are going to face some consequences." I photographed one more arrival, and walked back down the hill to my car. You'll have to take my word that I was very polite with him through the entire encounter.
I did collect the officer's name and badge number, and have drafted a constructive letter to the Airport Police Department asking for clarification about spotting in this location. Should I mail the letter? Will this only add fuel to the fire? I recognize there are other spotters at MSP, and I do not want to further jeopardize positive working relationships they may have with the police.
When I formerly spotted at this location, the police would stop to ask a few questions, but would move along. Have things changed this much in 4 years? Am I missing some law or ordinance that prohibits photography?
Fort Snelling State Park sounds to me like a public area, in which case there's no law stopping you taking photographs - irrespective of whether it makes pilots nervous (how would this beat cop know that?). It's okay being polite but if someone in authority is abusing the law then you have a right to stick up for yourself; even if that means being firm and becoming slightly heated yourself.
These people must remember that they are there to serve and protect YOU, not make a public enemy out of YOU. I'd go back there any time I felt like, knowing what you know now, and if some jumped up cop asks you to leave question under which piece of legislation. Also, remind him that a lawsuit for wrongful arrest won't look good on his career record. He'll soon go away if challenged.
Call their bluff. I always do here in the UK and it never fails.
JohnJ From United States of America, joined Jun 2000, 1621 posts, RR: 3 Reply 5, posted (2 years 2 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 2243 times:
If you were in a public park, he had absolutely no right to tell you to stop taking pictures. Tough call as in my incident at BOS, as if you argue enough with them they could probably throw you in the clink and even give you a disorderly conduct charge or the like. Best to leave, get clarification from his management, then come back once you're told (as you should be) that photography is legal in a public spot. If the police management tells you photography in a public park is not legal, perhaps it's an issue that the ACLU would be interested in hearing about.
My BOS situation was slightly different in that I was on Massport property and I suppose they could reserve the right to limit or prohibit photography. But, as I was told by Massport management after the incident, photography is permitted on their property. That will be good ammo for me if I ever have problems there again.
Seems like things are getting worse out there. I hadn't had any major police encounters in a number of years until last week.
JohnJ From United States of America, joined Jun 2000, 1621 posts, RR: 3 Reply 6, posted (2 years 2 weeks 3 days 20 hours ago) and read 2236 times:
I have free long distance service, so for kicks I just called Ft. Snelling State Park. I was told photography is perfectly legal in the park. I asked if there were any restrictions, and the woman told me there were none unless it was a for-profit photo session, in which case a permit is required. So if you were indeed on park property sounds like the officer was well out of line. Definitely follow up on this.
Fact, when I'm spotting at BRU I never noticed a pilot waving to me while landing HAHAHAH XD. I guess that police officer was having a bad day as said.
The TS was outside of the airport and not on airport premises but in an open park so Police can't do anything to him except if he would be 'lasering' the pilots. (This already happened at BRU and didn't really help other spotters' reputation)
saintex From Canada, joined Apr 2009, 176 posts, RR: 0 Reply 10, posted (2 years 1 week 6 days 6 hours ago) and read 1846 times:
Quoting Tomskii (Reply 9): I guess that police officer was having a bad day as said.
My guess is that he has a 'bad day' EVERY day. We have to accept that a certain percentage of any PD will be jackasses, what the percentage actually is will vary by location.
If you're unlucky enough to be accosted by one of the above jackasses, it's a tough call and a personal one what to do and I won't criticize anyone for their choice. I would probably do what Jason did but definitely follow up by contacting someone higher up than a beat cop in the PD. Worst case is the bad attitude is confirmed so we know to cross that particular spot off the list. Sadly. Best case is the bad cop gets a talking-to.
Sponsor Message: 
From United States of America, joined May 2005, 3 posts, 
From Canada, joined Feb 2011, 1 posts, 
From United Kingdom, joined Jun 2005, 4779 posts, 
From Belgium, joined May 2011, 456 posts, 
Printer friendly format 
