Policing the Police: The Apps That Let You Spy on the Cops
theatlantic.com
Policing the Police: The Apps That Let You Spy on the Cops
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Re: Policing the Police: The Apps That Let You Spy on the Cops
#2The line of inquiry does not go solely in the direction you might initially think. (Instead, think data collection and analysis.) Worth the read.
Re: Policing the Police: The Apps That Let You Spy on the Cops
#3The article mentions 2 apps, but I'm sure these are not the only ones. It would be nice to know about others too.
One note of caution, though: some states are 2-party consent states, which means, both parties have to consent to an audio recording. If you happen to be in one of those states, and the cops find out that you've been recording them, you can be in deep trouble.
On the other hand, sometimes just recording the cops in plain sight can get you into trouble, as evidenced by Emily Good's arrest in Rochester, NY. http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20110625/NEWS01/...
Re: Policing the Police: The Apps That Let You Spy on the Cops
#4The article mentions 2 apps, but I'm sure these are not the only ones. It would be nice to know about others too. One note of caution, though: some states are 2-party consent states, which means, both parties have to consent to an audio recording. If you happen to be in one of those states, and the cops find out that you've been recording them, you can be in deep trouble. On the other hand, sometimes just recording t…
Does that apply to activity recorded in a public area?
Re: Policing the Police: The Apps That Let You Spy on the Cops
#5What is the advantage of using this app as opposed to using the built-in Voice Memos app and then turning off the phone's screen? Both approaches record audio fine, don't show any immediate indication that recording is happening, and at least with Voice Memos, I don't have an app called "Cop Recorder" running if the police decide to get curious.
Re: Policing the Police: The Apps That Let You Spy on the Cops
#6The article mentions 2 apps, but I'm sure these are not the only ones. It would be nice to know about others too. One note of caution, though: some states are 2-party consent states, which means, both parties have to consent to an audio recording. If you happen to be in one of those states, and the cops find out that you've been recording them, you can be in deep trouble. On the other hand, sometimes just recording t…
Does that apply to activity recorded in a public area?
I'm not a lawyer, but: the cops can still hassle you even if you know you're in the right.
Consider this case: http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2010-05-08/news/bs-md-herma... Eventually a judge ruled for him, but imagine the heartburn over the prospect of going to jail for 15 years. Some cops do not like being video-taped even in public. Some will even pull a gun on you to intimidate you: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/06/02/v-fullstory/2248396/wi...
Re: Policing the Police: The Apps That Let You Spy on the Cops
#7Is it possible in this app, or any other, to upload live? This is a function that would be incredibly useful, as there have been reported cases of the phone/recording device itself being destroyed on site.
Re: Policing the Police: The Apps That Let You Spy on the Cops
#8The article mentions 2 apps, but I'm sure these are not the only ones. It would be nice to know about others too. One note of caution, though: some states are 2-party consent states, which means, both parties have to consent to an audio recording. If you happen to be in one of those states, and the cops find out that you've been recording them, you can be in deep trouble. On the other hand, sometimes just recording t…
Does that apply to activity recorded in a public area?
Just depends. The cops will still screw with you, hence, "You can beat the rap but you can't be the ride."
Re: Policing the Police: The Apps That Let You Spy on the Cops
#9For full function, the ideal citizen filming app should:
-- record audio and video
-- upload it on-the-fly (as it is being recorded) automatically
-- keep recording when the phone is locked or otherwise off/inaccessible to others, as it may be taken away from you
Openwatch meets 1 of those requirements. Still waiting for something that meets all 3...
Re: Policing the Police: The Apps That Let You Spy on the Cops
#10I wonder if apps like this could be used to circumvent the recording consent laws in certain states. Instead of having the phone/app make the recording, it could transmit the video/audio stream to a central server in another state where recording without consent is legal. Plus you wouldn't be at risk of losing your recording if somebody takes your phone.