Users' questions

Can you record police in South Africa?

Can you record police in South Africa?

We are of the view that the mere filming of a police officer whilst executing his duties is a passive act and in circumstances where a person does not wilfully hinder or obstruct a police officer, the mere filming does not constitute an offence. A police officer’s conduct must at all times be of an impeccable standard.

Which states can you record police?

Twelve states require that all parties first give their consent before you can legally record a conversation. Those states are California, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, and Washington.

Does a criminal record expire in South Africa?

You can apply for expungement of your criminal record in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act, 1977, to the Director-General: Department of Justice and Constitutional Development. You can apply to have your criminal record expunged when: a period of 10 years has passed after the date of the conviction for that offence.

What are the rules for recording the police?

If you choose to record the police you can reduce the risk of terrible legal consequences and video loss by understanding your state’s laws and carefully adhering to the following rules.

Can a person Sue the police for recording them?

Over the years, people who have sued the police for retaliation for recording have gotten mixed results. Such cases often come down to whether the right to record the police is “clearly established,” and not all courts agree on the answer.

Can a citizen record the arrest of a police officer?

Where there’s no evidence that the arrest of a citizen is motivated by, in retaliation for, or meant to suppress the citizen’s recording, the arrest may be valid. Recording an officer during an arrest for stalking, for example, might be part of the stalking offense.

Can You videotape a police officer from a distance?

But if you videotape on-duty police from a distance, such an announcement might not be possible or appropriate unless police approach you. When it comes to police encounters, you don’t get to choose whom you’re dealing with. You might get Officer Friendly, or you might get Officer Psycho. You’ll likely get officers between these extremes.