Amtrak Employees and LA County Sheriffs Force LA Photographer to Delete Images

On February 10, 2009 an amateur photographer taking pictures at Union Station in Los Angeles was forced to delete his images by Amtrak employees, LA County Sheriffs, and a pedestrian based on the grounds that he did not have their permission to photograph them even though Union Station is public space.

This was not because of terrorism, or trespassing, but simply because these people did not like what the photographer was doing. Which, is not the law.

When you are in public, or in a public space people have the legal right to photograph anybody they choose without any legal ramifications. The same laws that allow our government and local agencies to set a numerous surveillance cameras throughout our cities apply to the people as well.

This is not a case, where the government can simply say "we can do it, but you can't".

These laws apply to us and give us the same rights as our government.

Category:

Nonprofits & Activism

Tags:

• amtrak
• los angeles
• union station
• sheriff
• photography
• photographer
• harassment
• 4th amendment
• illegal
• police brutality
• photographers' rights

[tsidow2008]

amtrak police ARE POLICE OFFICERS IN CALIFORNIA

[discarted]

well, its too bad amtrak police weren't involve in this incident. just LA county sheriffs and union station personnel

either way though, law enforcement can't legally force anybody to delete their images. its against the law. they can't even view a person's images without a subpoena or a court order

do some research, learn the laws

[drmonkey1]

Actually its not public. Its a privately owned foundation.

It is owned and operated by Catellus Development Group.

[discarted]

We know that Catellus owns the property, but it's a public space that's been open to the community. The rules change when private property owners do this to their property.

Plus, Amtrak employees are not officers of the law. They have no authority over people whatsoever. By forcing the photographer to delete his photos they violated the 4th Amendment, and violated copyright and intellectual property laws. Cops can't delete your photos either. That's against the law too.

[mi6QBranch]

Depending on your camera, there are ways to get back deleted shots. But hell man, Next Time DO NOT DELETE your photo's for anyone except a Judges court order.

[markmills8]

LET'S SETTLE THIS RIGHT NOW!

From the Amtrak website:

Photographers must not trespass on railroad property or on private property adjacent to the railroad. Instead, stay in public access areas, such as stations, sidewalks or parking lots.

The photgrapher was within Amtrak guidelines and not breaking any laws.

ANY QUESTIONS?

[akaknocksville]

what part of private property don`t you understand wetard !!

[parrot0051]

That's the first mistake deleting your photos, there is NO LAW that says you can't take photos of a train station or even passengers. just let them bitch it's people like you who comply with these clueless people that makes it harder for the rest of us photographers, why don't people like you who aren't sure about the law take the time to read up on the laws before you venture out to take photographs ? make it easy for the rest of us.

[THUMPBUMPDUDE]

so how were you FORCED to delete the photos? Just say NO when they ask you to delete them, and don't do it.

[VoodooPolitico]

@dablue1 OF COURSE "PRIVATE PROPERTY OWNERS" have the right to regulate ANYTHING that happens on their property. If they dont like the color of your shows and if they have a "rule" on their books - "no red shoes"...they can ask you to leave. But they cant take your red shoes. PRIVATE. P R I V A T E P R O P E R T Y. Just like your house is "private property". Its pretty simple. They reserve the right to refuse service/entry to ANYONE FOR any REASON. PRIVATE PROPERTY.

[moonoink]

He shoulda brought bert krages' photographers right with him!

[krazzyyo2]

lame ass marines..2 years in the desert because they are plain dumb! use em..disposable men!

[dablue1]

@discarted

I only ask that in my previous comment because I think this falls under semi-public space. They can't restrict anyone from entering but they can regulate what happens within their building or place of business if it is not related to the purpose of the business.

[dablue1]

@discarted

I am curious now...

Does this apply to grocery stores? department stores? and basically any place you can enter and exit for free?

Do private companies have the authority to regulate what can and can't be done on their property even if the public is allowed in?

[VoodooPolitico]

Private property, open to the public or not, IS STILL private property and the public needs to abide by the "rules/regulations". If they ask somebody to not film/take photographs on their PRIVATE PROPERTY, they have that right. If they ask you to leave for any reason, its their right. But, obviously nobody can force anyone to delete images from a camera.

[tsidow2008]

BAD NEWS UNION STATION IS PRIVATE PROPERTY open to the public which means if you break the rules you are tresspass