Mr. Moderator: given that many of us enjoy photographing trains, I respectfully suggest this information needs the widest possible dissemination within our community. I understand if you want to delete, lock, and/or sticky this topic, but I really think this information needs to get out. Thanks.
The National Press Photographer's Association, or NPPA, has become greatly concerned of late with law enforcement attempting to restrict photography of and in public places under the guise of "homeland security." The organization commissioned the Washington DC law firm of Covington & Burling to write a memorandum on "The rights of journalists on public streets." While much of the information in this memo is targeted at media organizations, all of us in the railroad enthusiast community who enjoy photographing trains would do well to read what is said in this memorandum. Here's an excerpt from the announcement:
The National Press Photographer's Association, or NPPA, has become greatly concerned of late with law enforcement attempting to restrict photography of and in public places under the guise of "homeland security." The organization commissioned the Washington DC law firm of Covington & Burling to write a memorandum on "The rights of journalists on public streets." While much of the information in this memo is targeted at media organizations, all of us in the railroad enthusiast community who enjoy photographing trains would do well to read what is said in this memorandum. Here's an excerpt from the announcement:
You can find the annoucement, along with a PDF link to the memo here.Singled out from their memorandum are these significant points:
* The Constitution protects the media’s right to freely gather news, which includes the right to make photographs in a public forum;
* There is no federal law that would prohibit photography in public places or restrict photography of public places and/or structures;
* Any restrictions that the government does impose would need to have supporting evidence that it was essential for public safety. The burden is on the government;
* Government officials cannot single out news cameras for removal while continuing to allow the general public to remain in a location, particularly if the public is taking pictures;
* When journalists are denied access, they should avoid confrontation and arrest and instead gather as much information as possible so that they can later seek relief through proper channels.