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Little Canada Man Video Confiscated by Police

Twincities.com just reported about a case in Little Canada, Minnesota, where Andrew Henderson was recently charged with two misdemeanors: obstruction of legal process and disorderly conduct. His crime? Henderson was videotaping two Ramsey County sheriff deputies as they were assisting a bloody-faced man outside of his apartment complex.

Henderson, who regularly carries his camera around to take video, was standing thirty feet away from the officers, merely observing the situation. Jacqueline Muellner, an officer on the scene, promptly approached Henderson and confiscated his camera, to which he claimed, what I am doing is legal.

This is just one more in a slew of national cases concerning the video recording of on duty police officers – especially when they are arresting an individual.

Andrew Henderson, well-versed on the law and his rights, stood his ground even after his equipment was confiscated, calmly reminding Muellner that he simply wanted to record in a public space. Which is perfectly legal.

I’m eager to see what comes of this case, as it may have implications with similar cases down the line regarding video cameras and recording the police.

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Florida Drone Laws

The Orlando Sentinel reports that drones in Florida may be getting outlawed soon. The law, proposed by Senator Joe Negron, passed its second Senate committee earlier this month. If the legislation goes through, video surveillance drones in Florida will only be legal with a warrant, and under other extenuating circumstances like hostage situations and terrorist threats.

Law enforcement agencies, especially ones in Florida, are not pleased with these decisions. Video surveillance drones are an efficient technology: they are more affordable than helicopters, they are safer (no passengers) than helicopters, they do not disrupt public live as much, and can navigate much smaller spaces. It’s the last two qualities that has Senator Negron and Fourth Amendment privacy advocates against video surveillance drones.

Potentially, one of these surveillance drones could drop into your backyard, look in your window, and for many that seems to be a little too invasive. But this won’t be the last case involving video surveillance drones, or video and audio surveillance. As technology changes, so will the law.

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