Illinois just passed a law that would make it illegal to record police and government officials. The law, passed overwhelmingly by the Illinois House and Senate, is unconstitutional, and a blatant move to scare, intimidate and criminalize individuals who legally record interactions with police on their cell phones.
Filming police actions is a wholly legal and vital practice, as it empowers citizens to hold those sworn to protect them accountable when things go wrong. This bill makes taping a law enforcement official felony "eavesdropping", and gives people added prison time if they are caught doing it.
In light of the shooting death of Michael Brown, the choking of Eric Garner and the killing of unarmed 12-year-old Tamir Rice--all by police this year--this law is a slap in the face to the American people.
Filming police actions is a wholly legal and vital practice, as it empowers citizens to hold those sworn to protect them accountable when things go wrong. This bill makes taping a law enforcement official felony "eavesdropping", and gives people added prison time if they are caught doing it.
In light of the shooting death of Michael Brown, the choking of Eric Garner and the killing of unarmed 12-year-old Tamir Rice--all by police this year--this law is a slap in the face to the American people.
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