LAPD's Paul Espinoza Unlawfully Detains Photographer

A formal complaint against Paul Espinoza was sustained by LAPD.

Want to leave a comment? Then visit this link:

http://boywithgrenade.org/2010/06/01/...

This video was recorded on February 21, 2010 in Hollywood, CA. As you will see from the footage, the officer's behavior is deeply disturbing and should cause alarm within the Los Angeles Police Department.

And despite what the officer claims in the video, it is completely legal to photograph and videotape anybody, including police officers, when an expectation of privacy does not exist. It is the public's right to photograph and record police activity that occurs on our streets and in our neighborhoods, and we should not be subjected to verbal assaults, illegal detainment, or threatened with an unlawful arrest if we choose to do so.

This encounter could have been a non-issue.

To voice your concerns regarding this officer's behavior, contact the following individuals and offices:

Internal Affairs - Los Angeles Police Department
304 South Broadway, Suite 215
Los Angeles, CA 90013
Office: 213-485-1486
Fax: 213-473-6420

Antonio Villaraigosa, Mayor of Los Angeles
Email: mayor@lacity.org

Eric Garcetti, City Council President
5500 Hollywood Blvd., 4th Floor
Hollywood, CA 90028
Phone: 323-957-4500
Email: councilmember.garcetti@lacity.org

Tom LaBonge, Councilmember, District 4
Hollywood Field Office
6501 Fountain Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90028
Phone: (323) 957-6415
Email:councilmember.labonge@lacity.org

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[William Stone]

Pretty sure a public servant can be photographed in public whilst on duty, civilian my ass. Fuck this cop. I know a LOT of men who served in the military, and for far longer terms. While I do respect him for his service, and am grateful he voluntarily did as such, it doesn't entitle him to being anything more than just another guy. And he's calling this guy a fruitcake for refusing to not do what he IS entitled to? He fought for freedom and is unlawfully ordering someone to do something...

[Chrisfragger1]

Never Give ID if you are on foot and not breaking any laws. Absolutely NEVER give ID.

[bcline1094]

I am a highly decorated veteran of the USMC, I dont expect any special treatment because I was such. If I were a public servant I would expect to be photographed and videotaped and wouldnt have a problem at all with it. If cops continue to act as if they are above the law I spent my entire life fighting for nothing.

[H Davis]

What don't you understand? He done nothing wrong. No laws were broken. He has a right to photograph in a public place, cop or otherwise. He was indeed asking for it, but that doesn't change the law.

[anthony devivo]

ya' fuck nuts



[anthony devivo]

Ok, let's get some things straight right now.

1. Someone can ask you not to take a picture of them and this guy was obviously aggravating this officer. If you fuck with a officer like this obviously you are asking for it.

2. For the most part (Minus the fruity name calling) this cop acting very nice to this obvious asshole of a kid.

3. Stop hating on cops for doing their jobs it only instigates future interactions and perpetuates a culture of hate.

[Eric Bailey]

Pig cop. Highly illegal. Abuse of power.

[Bishop4695]

You're a fucking idiot for giving him your ID. You're a fucking idiot for talking to him

[josepacheco757]

USMC!!!

[jimmyjawbreakrful]

cops hate cameras like crooks hate cameras go figure!