I used to film for public access TV in Albuquerque and have been threatened by police who wanted me to stop filming their actions. Well, this is from the ACLU and it explains some aspects to the video documention of public officials.
Rob T.
Photographing Police: What Happens When the Police Think Your Phone Holds Evidence of a Crime?
The order reminds police officers in Washington that:
• still and video photography “of places, buildings, structures and events are
common and lawful activities.”
• A bystander has the right under the First Amendment to observe and record members
[of the police force] in the public discharge of their duties.”
• A bystander has the same right to take photographs or make records as a member of
the media” as long as the bystander has a right to be where he or she is.