Skip to main content. Taking photographs and videos of things that are plainly visible from public spaces is your constitutional right. That includes federal buildings, transportation facilities, and police and other government officials carrying out their duties.
Unfortunately, law enforcement officers often order people to stop taking photographs or video in public places, and sometimes harass, detain or even arrest people who use their cameras or cell phone recording devices in public. When in outdoor public spaces where you are legally present, you have the right to capture any image that is in plain view see note below about sound recording. That includes pictures and videos of federal buildings, transportation facilities including airports , and police officers.
You have a right to capture images in public places, but you don't always have a right to record what people say. Pennsylvania's Wiretap Law makes it illegal to record private conversations - which can include conversations in public places - without the consent of all parties to the conversation. Conversations with police in the course of their duties are not private conversations, but many other things you may record on a public street are. You can order pocket cards with this information by calling either ACLU office at the numbers above.
Facebook X Reddit Email Print. Your Right to Take Videos and Photographs When in outdoor public spaces where you are legally present, you have the right to capture any image that is in plain view see note below about sound recording. When you are on private property, the property owner sets the rules about the taking of photographs or videos.
If you disobey property owners' rules, they can order you off their property and have you arrested for trespassing if you do not comply. Police should not order you to stop taking pictures or video. Under no circumstances should they demand that you delete your photographs or video.
