RE: https://sauropods.win/@futurebird/115978104932988250
POINT OF INFORMATION
so, am one of the first people to do live reporting with mobile tech & Identica (one of the precursors to the #fediverse) in USA. i did citizen journalism before it was cool. so as @D_J_Nathanson likes to remind us:
NEVER TALK TO COPS
https://esq.social/@D_J_Nathanson/115947037260513125
you do not have to explain what you are doing.
go look up any documentary on Weegee the famous #nyc crime scene photographer. he used to get to them BEFORE the cops.
your life, and our free press, depends on it.
When you are filming police try not to talk to them. Avoid:
"Is it OK if I film?" (That isn't up to them.)
"Sorry officer." (You have done nothing wrong don't apologize.)
Try things like.
"I am filming from a safe distance."
If they start yelling at you focus on:
"Am I free to leave?"
Every time I've said this the officer has responded with "shut up" (ok??)
I'm happy to comply with *that* one and keep filming from a safe distance.