Detained for photography in Baltimore

Part two: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-JOFwbiI8fQ

In the news:

MTA warned: Let photographers shoot
http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/commuting/bs-md-mta-aclu-20110531,0,1463...

MTA administrator disavows curbs on photography
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bs-md-mta-policy-20110601,0,5460355...

MTA promises to stop violating civil liberties — again
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/editorial/bs-ed-mta-photography-2011...

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This incident occurred at the Cultural Center station in Baltimore, Maryland on March 21, 2011. I was visiting from Oregon, and as part of my career interests, I explored the transit systems of Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. In each and every one of those cities, except for Baltimore, I had no problems photographing these amazing systems.

This incident in Baltimore started with me enroute from the B&O Railroad Museum to Penn Station. I had boarded a light-rail train at the Convention Center, but realized that I needed to be on a "Penn Station" bound train, so I stepped off at Cultural Center Station in order to board the correct train. While waiting for my train, I snapped a photo or two of passing trains, and was immediately inundated with police officers confronting me about my photography. I also had a video camera on hand, so this entire incident, except for the last bit at Penn Station, was recorded.

MTA Police finally gave back my farecard and ordered me to "cease and desist," but continued to surround and bother me until I boarded the next Penn Station train. They followed me to Penn Station and got Amtrak Police involved. I felt at that point I had no choice but to give Amtrak Police my ID so they could conduct a warrant check. If the MTA Police hadn't followed me, Amtrak Police most likely would have not conducted this security check based on my experiences at various Amtrak stations between Washington DC and Boston. The Amtrak Police Officer was truthful about the fact that there was no prohibition against taking pictures of trains or train stations, so his honesty is what also compelled me to give my ID. He was, in my opinion, dragged into this fiasco because of MTA Police.

I have no qualms with MTA Police inquiring what I'm doing, but the fact that they took it to the next level with so many lies, unreasonable detainment, denying my boarding of my train that caused me to be delayed and following me to delay me further; this whole episode of theirs was unprofessional and perhaps unconstitutional. I am posting this video in hopes to further strengthen photographer's constitutional rights.

I am also being represented by ACLU of Maryland.

Photography is not a crime. As long as you're on public property, or in a publicly accessible place like a subway station, you are allowed to take photographs.

It's your First Amendment right!

You do not have to stop recording, or delete anything from your camera. Police must have a warrant to search or seize your camera. Do not let ill-informed police officers deter you from enjoying your hobby of photography.

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[MissDaisy1967]

I understand everything the hearing impaired gentleman actually said.

[trainman1971]

Ahhhh, I remember hearing about this in the news and in several railfan magazines. The MTA has since commented publicly (as of August or so) that the officers in question acted inappropriately and that there is no ban on photography of MTA vehicles from public areas. Supposedly, MTA police are to be "re-instructed" on the matter...

[metalbeak14]

dumbass cops.

How many times do I have to say it.

photography is NOT a crime!

photography is NOT a crime!

photography is NOT a crime!

[metalbeak14]

thats what is holding us back as elevator filmers.

Officer Jordan:Since 9/11, You are not allowed to take pictures on state owned property.

[anice1983]

Well to stop filming and making photography then don't sell Camara's in the shops.

And beside terrorists already know how that Lightrail looks like they are smarter then those Cops.

And where is the sing that shows if you allow to make or not.

I saw in some shops here in my country sings of no photography please then you know its illegaal but on Public transportation every one can make a quick shot by cell phone so then they need ban that to.

[mrsuperbafrango]

911 911 911 911 911 911 no camras 911 911 ...good job dude standing up for not only your own freedoms but the freedoms of all

[phototristan]

It's the cops job to protect and uphold your rights as a citizen not try to take them away. These cops need to be fired.

[GHETOyeti]

light rail. that thing is sketchy as fuck. bensemen and hobos everywhere

[GHETOyeti]

outside the Meyerhoff!!! This is goofy, the guy's fine. btw, I always take the light rai