Filming Cops For Scared People
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.
POINT OF INFORMATION: never talk to cops. especially as a citizen journalist.
set yourself at a safe distance and just film.
people who want to do this regularly, may want to set themselves up with a backpack on their chest to house their phone set up on a selfie stick.
if you are a cyclist, a GoPro on your helmet AND on your bike are good alternatives.
in #nyc in particular, it is best to have your hands free.
i should revive my old dos & donts list for indie journos.
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