Crime

Why Did the NYPD Videotape its Own Alleged ‘Brutality’ Against Protestors?

This weekend The Blaze reported on the 80 arrests of Days of Rage protestors in NYC, and the various YouTube videos that have been thrown up on the web to show alleged NYPD “brutality.”

But a longer YouTube video has surfaced  showing that the protestors were not the only ones wielding cameras. See below:

Why Did the NYPD Videotape its Own Alleged Brutality Against Protestors?

That’s right — the NYPD had officers equipped with video cameras as well. That forces us to ask the question: Why would the NYPD film its own allegedly “brutal” treatment of the protestors? The most likely answer: For its own protection.

Police filming themselves is not a new concept. For about five years now, police cruisers across the country have included dashboard cameras. Installing the cameras has proven itself a cost effective tactic, as it allowed officers in various departments to contest multi-million dollar judgments against cities and towns.

More importantly, officers who once could have faced termination or even criminal charges for false accusations of brutality are now able to rely on their in-dash cam during a traffic stop for the truth.

The in-dash cams have also spawned countless memorable clips of high speed chases and tense stand-offs for television shows like World’s Wildest Police Videos.

As for the Days of Rage protest last weekend, police in New York City currently operate under guidelines from a landmark case, Hanschu vs. Special Services Division. That 1985 case made it against the law for the NYPD to investigate, or surveil, a political or activist group without specific information indicating criminal activity.

But the Handschu guidelines, as they are known, were amended in 2003 so that the NYPD would have a freer hand in counterterrorism operations. Under the newer interpretation of Handschu, the police are allowed to film or record political activity under certain specific circumstances.

There are still lingering questions about what those circumstances are. But once laws are broken, there is no prohibition. Given the 80 arrests on Saturday, it would appear the NYPD would be in the clear under any Handschu interpretation.

There will probably be heated discussion about these guidelines in the days and weeks ahead. And in the mean time, the NYPD will continue to have the difficult job of balancing free speech with public safety.

What do you think, Blaze readers? Should the NYPD be allowed to film protestors at will in public spaces, whether a crime is committed or not?

Comments (92)

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  • One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 5:19pm

    Oh they have to do this and they do, and they do it well. These women had to (A) spit on the cop (B) tried grabbing his gun, or I can go on and on and on. COPS don’t attack unprovoked. They have way way too much to lose, they know everyone’s watching and if anything, cops today are handcuffed.

    I’ve been alive for 47 years, been a drug user, an alcoholic, been to World Series’, Super Bowls, you name it I’ve done it but being liberal or a democrat…. and never once have seen a cop get out of line at any of those events. Even even seen cops be shot at and still not return fire in Chicago. Sure some are rogue but most ARE NOT.

    On the other hand these liberals provoke them into these acts so they can sue them to add to their personal and ideological coffers without working since protesting for a living doesn’t pay too well, and this protest was biting the big one so they needed some attention.

    That whining chick in the middle was screaming like her toenails were being ripped off, and I’ve even sprayed mace in my own face indirectly before to see how bad it was, and if you’re hit directly with a good stream it hurts, but try living with MS or Fibromyalgia for a couple decades, that makes mace feel like the magic touch believe me. It’s not like getting shot and she was so over-melodramatic I was laughing at her.

    Report Post » One Man Progressive Wrecking Crew  
    • Eliasim
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 6:23pm

      Well now, anyone whom knows knows that Liberals are extreme, and yet anyone whom knows anything important also knows that the U.S is a Police State and has been for a long time. In my opinion they are not only recording videos for their own protection, but that they are also recording video to use as a tool of intimidation.

      Report Post »  
    • UTSheepDog
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 6:48pm

      The USA is NOT a police state. Proof? You can walk up to any cop in the country and tell him you don’t like him. As long as you don’t assault him (or act like you are about to) or are stupid enough to insult just before or after breaking some law, you walk away without any issue. In a police state, you decide to voice your opinion to the police, you get your butt kicked (or worse). Further proof: Inner city neighborhoods that scream racism, police brutality, and profiling, yet the police still respond when called. Why? They are dedicated to what they do and will respond to help, even if they know the person who needs help is a slimeball. The system is weighted HEAVILY on the side of the accused. And for the most part, it should be. But let’s not lie to ourselves and compare the USA to a police state. Are some cops bad? Of course. But so are some teachers, clergy, circus clowns, taxi drivers, and almost all politicians.

      Report Post »  
    • Marci
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 7:58pm

      No, they should not be able to just film at will—however, once they have approached someone and are trying to question/restore order, they have every right.

      Report Post » Marci  
    • Shotgun167
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 8:14pm

      The shouldn’t be allowed to film “at will”. They should be REQUIRED to film every moment they are on duty, enforcing the public’s will!! Yeah, that’s right. I can now buy a camera as small as my thumb for the cost of a week’s lunch. Every policeman should be required to wear one on their helmet/hat, with the data recorded remotely. The article clearly stated the benefit. The cameras have been instrumental in proving the TRUTH, something policemen in particular should be seeking to promote. The policeman should be made intensely aware of the cameras and recognize the weight of the laws they are enforcing. The populace should be intensely aware of it, and behave correctly when in public. Either way, a question of brutality or misconduct can be left to a jury…not a he said/she said argument.

      Report Post »  
    • ishka4me
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:03pm

      all planneduse offorce must be put on video. Things that look like abuse are not. Trained actors that scream when police touch them is not abuse.

      Report Post »  
    • loriann12
      Posted on September 27, 2011 at 7:33am

      I think the few bad cops are getting too much recognition from the media. I have heard the news reports of bad cops, but I have never met one. I was a police dispatcher for a year and I’ve known many cops. One got a charge brought against him for brutality, but it was in response to the “victim” trying to attack him. That’s why they record Interviews. What bothers me is they are trying to stop US from taking video, and yet they do.

      Report Post »  
    • V-MAN MACE
      Posted on September 27, 2011 at 2:23pm

      What a joke.

      The cops have a extensive history of violence against civilians, unprovoked or otherwise.

      All you gotta do is google police brutality and you get multiple “hits”. (pun intended)

      They also have an extensive history of taking the video devices of protestors or other civilians and erasing video, destroying cameras, erasing cellphone sim cards and memory, and other acts of CYA.

      RESIST THE NAZI POLICE STATE.

      Report Post » V-MAN MACE  
  • freedomofspeech
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 5:14pm

    free speech is free speech, even for our public sevants. the law is the law. equal justice not social justice. Let them all just run around video tapeing each other, even the hearing impaired needs to involved:)

    Report Post »  
  • Wringeaux
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 5:07pm

    Yes

    Report Post » Wringeaux  
  • thekuligs
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:59pm

    If they are protesting something, if they are drawing attention to themselves, they have no reasonable expectation of privacy. I believe they have the right to record the police, and I believe, for their protection as well as mine, they an film the protestors.

    The NYPD knew the these Day’s of Rage faux protestors where going to claim police brutality; that’s what they are trained to do.

    Report Post » thekuligs  
    • granolajohn
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 9:04pm

      I cant believe that you guys are on the side of the Corporations/Banks that have been bending this country over for years! Living in NYC its outstanding to see how huge these protest actually are and the support that the community is giving to these heroes. If you watch the full videos of the not alleged brutal attacks by these “officers” youd see that these people were literally doing nothing and I mean NOTHING. Its disgusting that the men and women of NYPD are supposed to be protecting the peace when actually they are brutally attacking these people. For shame NYPD and for shame blazers for supporting the crooks, peace.

      Report Post » granolajohn  
    • thekuligs
      Posted on September 27, 2011 at 10:49am

      Did you just use the word Hero to describe these protestors? Protestors that plan on moving westward and protesting infront of peoples homes? As a military wife I can tell you that you have no idea what a hero is.

      As far as all this great video evidence you claim to have that is exactly why NYPD was recording themselves.

      I find it funny you want to shame the blaze readers for not gushing over all these false hero’s who blindingly want to end, among other things, capitalism. Which most of us believe wholely in. If you want to live in a socialist country, then by all means move

      Report Post » thekuligs  
    • Rajabear1
      Posted on September 27, 2011 at 2:54pm

      Once again, if @granolajohn‘s name didn’t say it all, take a look at when he/she/it became a blogger on the Blaze—Sept 19, 2011. Nobody has said how wonderful the banks are. In fact, the FED (private banks) and our government in bed with them is a HUGE problem. But then again, so are all the fools that have thrown themselves so far into debt with school loans, car loans, house loans, gee, I gotta dress like every model I see–credit card debt, and Oh, my god!!! I just gotta have the new apple whatever because I want what everyone else has and by gum, I deserve it!–jack@sses that have thrown our country into a tailspin. especially now that these type of people feel that they now longer have to pay anything and get all things. It’s all for fairness ya know… Are YOU one of those people by chance? Don’t bother answering, your reply said it all.

      Report Post »  
  • stloocardsfan
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:58pm

    NYPD had to do it. The ‘protesters’ were a bunch of lazy, entitlement hungry, spoiled, un-bathed, race-baiting, police antagonizing punks that were there for purposes of anarchy and maybe hit police lawsuit lotto jackpot.

    Report Post » stloocardsfan  
    • granolajohn
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 9:07pm

      Same type of bunch of lazy, entitlement hungry, spoiled, un-bathed, race-baiting, police antagonizing punks that ended the war and got black rights in the 60s. Same type of bunch of lazy, entitlement hungry, spoiled, un-bathed, race-baiting, police antagonizing punks that got the crook Nixon out of office. Same type of bunch of lazy, entitlement hungry, spoiled, un-bathed, race-baiting, police antagonizing punks that will work hard to end corporate greed ;]

      Report Post » granolajohn  
    • Swalker
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 10:46pm

      Granolajohn
      you got me to comment, I never do that. I read and look to see how people are thinking these days but you, you seem to think the 60′s gave us something wonderful by the skill of the socialist freeks that destroyed so many lives by there actions. now we have a world police force and send our young out to die with their hands tied. War is never suppose to be soft and nice, War is death, the final act. if we allow that to return then there may just be peace in the world. your 60′s gift givers have ended that possiability.
      Sorry man but your idea of wonderful lacks substance.

      Report Post » Swalker  
    • granolajohn
      Posted on September 27, 2011 at 1:53am

      And thats why there will always be a divide I view the 60s as a shift away from the old culture of America and into a new era. I fully understand what war is “war is hell” I just had to deal with a school friend that came back from Iraq and couldn’t cope with civilian life and tragically ended it, trust me I understand what war is and what it does to people. This is why everyday I support what the hippie sorry “socialist freeks” movement did and try to do my part to keep it alive today to end the unjust wars that we are still fighting today. I agree with you though we ARE the world police force and I in no way think we should be, get our boys and girls home and doing good to rebuild this nation not 3rd world nations that at this point are beyond repair (I wish those countries the best I do but were in the s@#$ and we need everyone we can to do good for our own country)

      Report Post » granolajohn  
  • ezeewhiz
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:56pm

    Its a progressive city with a progressive mayor, what does one expect?

    Report Post »  
  • Rijkstra
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:53pm

    It’s not the NYPD taping their actions that has me concerned, but that they have complete control on how the videos are edited for public consumption.

    Report Post » Rijkstra  
    • Itchee Dryback
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 6:02pm

      Do you feel the same about the msm?

      Report Post »  
    • 1TrueOne55
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 8:24pm

      And the protesters don’t do the same editing???? Your in neutral dude(tte)….

      Report Post » 1TrueOne55  
    • That Guy
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 9:22pm

      You can’t go anywhere in Manhattan without being on tape or have you license plate scanned.

      Report Post »  
  • commonsenseguy
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:53pm

    the left fought bush because he wanted to track certain groups by phone taps, they fought tooth and nail,to get it stopped ,but when obama and the democrats use on star and google to track everyone, the left does not complain , now the y want to gripe about the police video taping ,protesters breaking the law, well,stupid there are cameras every where on every corner,so what is the problem o yeah, you can’t manipulate the video to fit your agenda, the left has done this countless of times, so when they yell brutality, they could either get the officer fired or get the laws changed that would allow them to do even worse criminal acts, i am all for it, the government is tracking us right now,they are reading our e mails ,tracking our movements in our cars and are tracking every transaction we make, there is no such thing as of privacy, so for the left wing nut jobs to cry and complain, is just a product of their own doing, when you act like animals, then you should be treated as one.

    Report Post »  
  • bs2722
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:46pm

    I’d be fine with the police recording the tea-party rallys that I attend.

    Report Post »  
    • JackDamaris
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 5:21pm

      I have attended the rallies in Ct. They record them all the time. I appreciate this as a protection for myself when I attend. We have seen any disruptions always occurring from those on the left, liberals.

      Report Post » JackDamaris  
  • Babyboomer1960
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:40pm

    Cops with cameras act as an inherent intimidating force for those who are inclined to dislike law and order to begin with. But Cops with cameras also act as an incentive for the Cops to act in lawful, professional ways, since the camera will show everyone – warts and all. The more footage of the event, the merrier as far as I’m concerned. FatihfulFriend and MontanaRob both hit upon good points. I wouldn’t be surprised at all to find out how few actual “protesters” there are out there, and how many of the “protesters” are actually people who just like to show up and cause discontent…

    Report Post » Babyboomer1960  
  • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:37pm

    I understand the various sides of this argument; and will simply figure it this way — legislation with very specific protocol and guidelines that define exactly when and how the filming can be used, to ensure the privacy of peoples rights to expression, and yet ensure that accusation of “police brutality” can be challenged to see if real or not, and ensure via the video all detainment protocols and reasons are being followed.

    It will be a hard and ever evolving balance to maintain and strive for; as cases will arise for and against to challenge a status quo on all sides.

    Here is an example of how it could be a net asset in a case:

    Say one of the protesters is claiming “police brutality” from an arrest and a protest tape shows a cut and edited version of the arrest itself appering to be without cause; and yet two or more videos of the police show and record the conversation of a officer directing, requesting and then twice ordering a protester out of a busy traffic lane for their own safety…and when still in non compliance being arrested and howling “Police brutality…”

    One example of many…it can aid cops in clearing their names when false charges are made, and to convict the guilty ones who do cross the line.

    Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
  • hidden_lion
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:36pm

    Fact is, New York already has street cameras anyway so it is kind of a mute point. That should be able to film, just as the people should be able to film them. It will help keep everyone honest.

    Report Post » hidden_lion  
  • gmoneytx
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:35pm

    I‘ll bet mayor Bloombutt want’s to see if one of the videos will go viral.

    Report Post » gmoneytx  
  • OklahomaBound
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:35pm

    What is good for the goose is good for the gander. This won’t sit well with leftist protestors or the Ron Paul anarchist who love to paint the cops as bad guys by only showing videos from the point of where these thugs are being arrested, but never from the beginning where their own actions necessitated the police response. Smile anarchists, you’re on candid camera!

    Report Post » OklahomaBound  
    • DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:44pm

      “Ron Paul anarchists”? Wow, how leftist, the tactics you adopt. Smear, marginalize and lie.

      “Be careful when you fight the monsters, lest you become one.”

      You sir, have.

      Report Post » DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)  
    • Kitsune
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 6:18pm

      Ron Paul? Try Van Jones.

      Report Post »  
  • Revotelution
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:34pm

    They are in a public location so why not record. Must have beena liberal weenie judge to make that stupid ruling. Special status rule probably applies to unions as well. IDIOTIC.

    Report Post »  
    • Walkabout
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 5:05pm

      That is what I was thinking (the public location).

      The only histrionic fear is that the cops would see who all the members were, round them up & the whole group would never be heard from again.

      But they are telegraphing what they would do not what we would do.

      Chavez police stole the list of a large Jewish synagogue in Caracas. It had more than a few thousand names on it.

      These protesters love people like Sean Penn, they have heard of the Venezuelan synagogue intimidation. They are hoping what they do to or want to do to others won’t be done to them.

      Report Post »  
  • bhelmet
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:31pm

    Absolutely, it is a shame they have to, but our police need to be protected as well.

    Report Post » bhelmet  
    • Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:39pm

      Indeed, the difference between the criminal world and the law is the officers have established restraints and lines of conduct to follow; and rights of the people of America based in the Bill of Rights and Constitution.

      The criminals have no such restraints and can use each and every dirty trick in the book freely until caught and given their day in court.

      Report Post » Snowleopard {gallery of cat folks}  
    • DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:41pm

      It’s pigs vs. pigs, so who cares? Union thugs do not need our protection. Sadly, “union thug”, is the LEAST problem cop pigs have with themselves.

      Sheriffs only, no cops.

      Report Post » DTOM_Jericho (Creator vindicator)  
  • Dug2Dark
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:30pm

    What the police will see when they review their tapes is a combo of Jackass & Girls Gone Wild. Yeah, that’s right, Jackasses Gone Wild!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Report Post » Dug2Dark  
  • FaithfulFriend
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:28pm

    Of course it’s for their own legal protection and viewpoint. What a protestor films from behind another protestor may be far different than what is filmed from behind an officer facing a protestor. But in both viewpoints it’s also used as a form of intimidation and an attempt at control.

    Report Post » FaithfulFriend  
    • comsense08
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 7:06pm

      And that’s why the cops are there, stupid, to control folks who have chosen before hand to get out of control. What everyone is missing is the literally thousands of innocent folks living nearby who deserve to have a safe and calm neighborhood. I can assure all you folks criticizing this reaction that if it happened in your neighborhood, and you kids were in the front yard, you’d be callin 911 faster than the speed of light! It’s funny how many of the cops films have convicted folks, where as the films from the protestors haven’t? All you out-of-control protesters ought to thank your lucky stars you live in a nation where you can do this……for now!!! So don’t push it. You go overboard, and this will be stopped. Then what will you have?

      Report Post »  
  • lecar
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:28pm

    Maybe the union cops are finally getting wise to these professional “protesters”. CYA or you and your buddies will face these professional mobsters.
    By the way, how is their assembly consitutional as it is supposed to be the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
    What were their grievances (other than anarchy).

    Report Post »  
  • UlyssesP
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:27pm

    The more cameras in a situation like that the better. The more angles and sources the better.
    Everyone shoot video, cops, protesters, wall street workers, people driving by, vacationers, city workers cleaning the area..everybody!

    Report Post » UlyssesP  
  • bharris0
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:26pm

    Anyone can film anyone else in a public forum. I don’t think there can be any expectation of privacy while you are on a public street.

    Report Post »  
  • NuffSaid
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:26pm

    No one is safe as long as the janitor in the White House walks the streets.

    Report Post »  
  • JoeBtfsplk
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:23pm

    Who at BLAZE is writing this question about this story?

    Get real BLAZE – just print the story – we will decide.

    Report Post »  
  • shirelover
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:22pm

    hey, if we can film them, they can film us…

    Report Post » shirelover  
  • klr56
    Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:21pm

    I think it’s a great idea. First to protect the police but it also means that the police KNOW that they are on tape and hopefully they will act professionally.

    Report Post »  
    • MontanaRob
      Posted on September 26, 2011 at 4:27pm

      Also, they can build a database on the antics of these “professional(sic)” protesters. They could then share with other depts. where there is protesting and hopefully be able to demonstrate to a judge that they really are true trouble makers rether than concerned citizens with a legitimate gripe.

      Report Post » MontanaRob  
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