I'm not on probation, >> sir. I just want to make sure you're safe because we have people our standard policy is when someone comes in the window, we ask their name because usually they they have someone to see. >> Please, I'm not trying to be a Okay, but you guys got to freaking, you know, be reasonable. What about the citizen up here that threatened to beat my ass? I had to pull out my m >> a public building burst into flames as seven officers surrounded a journalist over a camera. >> I'm an independent journalist. I'm gathering content for a story. I'm exercising a freedom of press right and it's not that big of a deal. Can I speak to a supervisor? >> You are. You wouldn't identify yourself. >> I don't want people standing behind me. >> A lone journalist surrounded by police. Will power or justice prevail? >> Seven, including yourself, Sheriff. And they're trying to intimidate me, demanding ID, saying that I'm just in the publicly accessible areas of the building. >> We want to do an interview sometime. >> You got to go. You got to leave right now. Trying to kick me out. Violate my constitutional right. Just minutes after entering the public building, a journalist was suddenly surrounded by a mass of police and staff. >> They really think they're intimidating somebody when they're really not. Why are you confronting me? You don't want to be polite and give me your name? This is a public building. I'm not doing anything illegal. >> Seven officers standing in a circle demanding to see ID while refusing to identify themselves. Is press freedom being stifled in government buildings? >> Very rude. Wait right there. Call the deputies. They really think they're intimidating somebody when they're really not. Wait right there. I'm calling the deputies. Like, there's no need for any of that whatsoever. You work for the public. You confronted me. I would just like to know your name. Why are you confronting me? You don't want to be polite and give me your name. >> Get to where you need to go, >> sir. I don't even You've been very, you know, rude and unprofessional. So, at this point, >> it's hard. We're at the probation department, so I just don't want you. >> What does that mean to me? Yeah, but you know, you weren't you were very >> He's no business here at probation. I don't know what he wants. He's recording us. And >> hey, how how you guys doing? Can I get your name, please? >> No, you can't. >> Okay. Can I get your names, please? >> Why are you here, sir? >> Can I get your names and badge numbers, please? >> We have county business. >> Can I get your names and badge numbers, please? Can I get your names and badge numbers, please? >> You got to go. I have business to conduct here. >> What is it? >> I'm an independent journalist. I'm gathering content for a story. I'm exercising a freedom of press right from the sheriff's department. >> No identification. No identification. No identification. >> Identifying ourselves right now, sir. >> You're not I don't I need your name and badge number. >> Okay. Well, this is the probation business. This is a publicly accessible area. I have freedom of press. So, I do have business here. I'm working on a story on the probation department as well as the county building. >> Minutes of escalating tension, threats of arrest, forced eviction from the building. Was this a blatant abuse of power in front of the camera? >> And I need to know who you are. It's not that big of a deal. Can I speak to a supervisor? >> Well, I'm the supervisor. >> You're the I'm not on probation. So that way, you know, somebody with >> he's calling >> who has a jurisdiction here. >> I'm sure you can understand that. It's just we have clients coming in and out of here and we just want to make sure we >> You refer to them as clients, huh? >> They're clients. >> Clientele. Yeah, sure. >> People This is a public building. I'm not doing anything illegal. I'm not >> No, no. I just want to make sure >> I I would have answered all your questions. I would answer all your questions. I would answer all your questions, but but you're not you've been very rude and condescending and you haven't identified yourself properly. Can I get Can I get your name, sir? Can I get your name? >> You guys are setting a real good example for the sheriff's department here by not identifying yourselves. It's It's really unprofessional. It's ridiculous. >> We just want to make sure everyone's safe and clean. >> So, you want to you want to circle around me and not identify yourself? >> Just want to make sure you're safe, too. That's all. Why would I not be safe? >> Well, sir, you wouldn't identify yourself. You know, >> I don't want people standing behind me. >> Okay. All right. >> Um, you don't want You don't want You need It's constitutionally protected business, sir. You don't control the public uh public hallway. I'm not in a restricted area. You don't control the public hallway. >> This is a publicly funded building. There's no need for any of this. I'm not I'm not being disorderly. No, you don't have a right to know who I am. First of all, you're just a probation officer. So, you 100% does don't have the right to know who I am. Does he have a right to know who I am? Unless they have reasonable, articulable suspicion I've committed a crime. >> Sheriff appears. A spectacular turnaround, opening up an unexpected turning point. But can he save the collapsing image of the force under his command? >> County Sheriff 820. >> Okay. Hi. Um, are you supervisor? >> I'm the sheriff. >> You're the sheriff. Nice to meet you. >> I just All I'm doing is exercising a constitution protective right, taking some pictures and video. Yeah, but I'm surrounded by 1 2 3 4 five six law enforcement officers, seven including yourself, sheriff. And then when I ask for their names and badge numbers, so I know who I'm dealing with, how you were so professional, sheriff, and you provided that to me, they would not. Okay. >> They would not provide any any type of um identifying information as their badge number or their name. >> Did you ever write to video? >> No. Is it your policy to identify yourself to the to to people to the people you come in contact with? >> I just did, right? >> I'm talking about your your deputies. So, but your deputies are here, correct? >> Some of my deputies are here. >> And none of them identified themselves to me multiple times, sir. >> So, >> and they just stood there looking at me. >> I gave you my credentials. So, now I can ask you, do you have a legitimate purpose in the building other than just walking around videoing? >> Sorry. I'm like I explained to all your other deputies, I'm an independent journalist. I'm just in the publicly accessible areas of the building. >> We want to do an interview sometime. >> I just came here. You got to go. You got to leave right now. Trying to kick me out. Violate my constitutional rights. And then when I try and hold them accountable by finding out their name and badge number, they don't want to give it to me. They just stand there and they're like, >> "I'm not giving it to you." No, I'm not giving it to you. >> Okay. Yeah, I give you my >> After all the truth is revealed, but the consequences for the offending officers and the message for society from this incident will make you think. >> We're going to be getting out of here now. All right, guys. So, we're just getting out of the Herkimer County Office Building here in New York. Definitely a crazy experience inside this building surrounded by seven law enforcement officers all for a camera. It really doesn't make any sense. Very unprofessional. You know, it's just professionalism that when you have the honor of working for the public that when a member of the public who pays taxes to pay your salary asks you for your name and badge number, you politely give it to them. It took the actual sheriff of Herkimer County to come down here for them to properly identify themselves and for him to deescalate the situation. Because you saw at first they were ready to remove me from the building with force and I stood strong knowing that I was in the right, that I was simply engaging in a constitutionally protected activity. Nothing more. Wasn't breaking any laws. The two deputies in the front still didn't want to identify themselves to me. What's the big secret? It's all public information. I don't understand. Why do they treat people this way? And if the deputies treat me that way while I have a camera, remember, if they're acting that way on camera, imagine how they act when they're not on camera. I'm going to reach out to the sheriff here, see if he will do that, sit down with me. I sincerely doubt it, but hopefully he wants to better and bridge the gap between the public and law enforcement and we can try and hash out what happened here and we can see how we're going to move forward to do better. Citizens may sue public officials for violating their constitutional rights pursuant to 42 US Code SS1 1983. Individuals/organizations are required to pay damages to the injured party. Violating police officers may be disciplined, have their licenses suspended, fired, or expelled depending on the policy of the agency/ police chief. The video ends with no arrests, but the actions of the officers involved have eroded public confidence in law enforcement. Up next, just because of a camera, a citizen was surrounded, asked for ID, and had the answer whether or not he was detained, avoided. >> That would be a violation of state preeemption. You know, only the legislature can make fire. No, you kind of came up cocky. And ma'am, if I ask you if I'm detained, please let me know in the future, man. Activity. You know who knows this is lawful activity? You're Sergeant Davis. >> Three officers and an unclear verbal order. Violation of park rules. Violation of election. But is it the truth or just an excuse to detain people? >> Were you over there in Vins Park earlier today? >> I was down on the sidewalk. Why? >> Okay, >> why do you ask? >> Well, why? Because you're you're carrying a sidearm and that's violation of the park rule. >> Second off, if it was a violation of park rules rules, it's preempted by the state of Pennsylvania. As a law enforcement officer, you should be aware of that. So, don't go >> that would be a violation of state preeemption. You know, only the legislature can make firearm. I'm sorry. You're not being stopped. >> Well, that's funny. I asked her like four times and she kept saying, "Oh, just give I mean I know I don't feel like I'm detained. I know it." >> Inside of a polling place. >> Did I go inside a polling place? >> I didn't say you did. >> Okay. Well, then what? >> You got a call from the government building stating subject acting out in front of the I'm telling you what the caller reported. >> That's fine. Okay. But you came up cocky. Yeah, you did. Said 90. Dude, I'm respectful to you. No, you kind of came up cocky. And ma'am, if I ask you if I'm detained, please let me know in the future. Please, I'm not trying to be a dick, okay? But you guys got to freaking, you know, be reasonable. That's >> I didn't call you guys. >> I know you didn't. >> Okay. I was going out. >> A citizen called us from the government. >> What about the citizen up here that threatened to beat my ass? I had to pull out my M. >> No, no, actually I don't. Um, but he said he was going to call the police, so I figured maybe he did. But yeah, he was off his rocker, man. But like I said, um, lawful activity, man. Is this lawful activity? You're Sergeant Davis. So, and he knows he knows who I am. So, you could talk to him. Okay. But, dude, I know you didn't, but you can't rolling up on me 3D for a lawful activity. That's unheard of. That's ridiculous. >> In Florida, a shocking statement. Everyone must carry ID by law. But when the actual law is cited, the situation completely changes. >> Sir Barbara Quincy. I thought they called county. >> Both of us. >> I'm just out here taking photos out in public. I saw >> uh the prison. >> Yes, sir. It's right there. I saw him watching this vehicle. >> Why are you taking pictures of >> I'm a journalist guy in the store. It's investigative journalism. >> You got a ID on you? >> Uh I'm standing on public sidewalk taking photos out in public. >> I That's fine. I ask for your ID. >> I understand. But if I'm not being detained, I'm not reproducing identification. >> Well, sir, you need to move along now. >> What would happen if I don't move along? You >> go to jail. >> For what? >> For what? >> Yes. >> Because I've asked you to move along. You taking pictures of the facility. >> Is that illegal? Need to break out. I told you I'm a journalist guy. >> And then at this point is loaning because I asked you for you. You came to see me. You had to do that. >> I'm not taking pictures of of a facility that has anything. >> I have no no obligation to prove to you who I am. I'm Yes, you do. >> Am I Look, if I'm not being detained, >> I'm I'm say have a nice day. >> You have a nice day, too. You're free to go. >> 13 to 109. If you could be in Rocket over there. >> Are you trying to trespass me from the public sidewalk? >> No. I'm asking you to walk along. Keep moving. >> Uh I'm not going to keep moving. I got a job to do. So that's I'm out here to do my job. I appreciate if you did appreciate if you didn't interfere and obstruct my my rights. >> Barber was out with them. We lost connection with our vehicle down there. >> This this is constitution protected activity safeguarded by the first amendment. I have every right to do this >> cuz if you're from Florida, you Florida also requires everybody to have identification, >> which is >> so you have to have identification on you >> at all times. Mhm. >> A chilling line rings out. The badge allows me to do it when power is used to silence citizens. What really happens behind this line? >> Yeah, he's he's recording. >> Am I free to go? >> No, you're not free to go. >> So, I'm being a tank. >> You're not free to go. >> I'm not free to go. >> Okay. This is not a public building. That's not a public building. It's a state correctional institution, man. >> Gaston County Sheriff's Office. Phone number 6279233. And if you need anything further, I can give it to you. This is a security issue >> because >> this is a first amendment issue. This is a constitutionally protected right safeguard by the first amendment. >> Once you come off the sidelines, you witness me on their property. Can you sergeant or lieutenant and let's just view the videape? >> I have my security. >> Okay. Because if you step I never stepped off the sidewalk. We have a big issue. You're not free to go. >> So I'm being detained >> temporarily. >> For what reason? What's What's your reasonable articulate suspecting an investigation >> based on what? What am I doing? That's >> I'm conducting an investigation. >> What's your reasonable articulus? >> Be quiet. >> What is your reasonable articulation? Investigation. An investigation based on a potential security issue. >> Potential security issue. >> Potential potential security issue. That's right. I have right to see the tapes. And after I see the tapes. >> So you got to detain me until you see the tapes. Can you shut up long enough for me to finish talking? >> That's not very nice. >> Until I see the videotapes, I am officially conducting an investigation. Once I view them and I see that you never step foot on this property, you are free to go. >> What's your reasonable articul suspicion that I've committed a crime? Did you take an oath upholding to defend the Constitution of the United States? Ma'am, >> are you aware that this is a First Amendment right? Are you remaining silent? >> I am the fifth. How about that? A sergeant ordered them to leave the public parking lot, calling it private property without any signs or legal grounds. And then his own teammate said something that stunned everyone. >> Isn't this not the public parking? >> This is private property. >> Well, how so? It has no signs saying no. There's no no trespassing sign, ma'am. No, I understand, but there's there needs to be no trespassing signs. >> I tell you right now, >> is that a lawful order? >> I'm telling you right now, you can videotape. >> I'm just asking here. I'll turn my flash at you. >> But is is that a law? I mean, >> I'm telling you this is private property. >> But there's no sign. >> The office is now closed. >> I understand, but there's no sign saying no trespassing. No trespassing. >> Okay. I'm asking you to You can videotape from the sidewalk. >> I But is that a lawful order? >> I'm telling you, please stand on the sidewalk. >> Well, I have a right to videotape the cars. If they're in public, if I can see them, I can videotape them. >> Videoape them for moments. Don't stand Don't stand on the sign. >> I did not stand on the sign, ma'am. I never stood on the sign. I never touched it. >> May I ask May I ask what his name and badge number is? Okay. So, you're a sergeant and you're acting like that. >> Oh, you're disgusting. Acting like that. >> That's disgusting, sir. >> So, I'm not sure what the >> What's your badge number, Sergeant? >> We're asked to leave. >> Excuse me, ma'am. So, we got Sergeant Nunes. He came and made this. >> Person here who claims he knows the constitutional rights. >> And he's a sergeant, guys. This is where your tax money goes to. >> You're still here. >> I'm harassing you. and you leave to go to the sidewalk where >> I was asking the nice I'm done talking to you. You're irrational. I'll I'll wait to talk to you when you're ready. >> All right. Justice exists only when power is held accountable and every citizen has the right to demand transparency from those who act in the name of the law. Hey everyone, what do you think about this situation? If you enjoyed the video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and support us with a donation. Thank you so much. Next, a citizen came to film a 100-year-old building, but just a few minutes later, the entire government office was in chaos because of a camera. >> Are you going to violate my rights? >> Come right in. >> Uh, who are you and what's your name? >> My name is Ann Reed, and I'm the administrative assistant in this office. >> Hi. All right. Well, I'm going to go see what else I can find in town. I appreciate you guys being professional. What seemed like a polite conversation suddenly turned into a fierce battle of words. Are the people encroaching or is it the government that is overstepping its bounds? >> I want to check out all the publicly accessible areas of this building just cuz it's an old building. 1888 I saw was built. >> Um >> the judge's office is at the end of the >> looked like it ended right there so I wasn't sure. >> Well, there's a couple of offices down there. >> Okay. Okay, cool. All right. Thank you. Hello. How are you? >> I'm just fine. Uh, I don't need any help. I'd appreciate it, though. And actually, is there anything that you recommend I look at? >> Yeah. I'm just getting some video of the building. Uh, this was built in 1888. Is that correct? >> Mhm. >> So, I like to check out historical uh public buildings. >> I don't know if we need to let you video inside. >> Oh, it's definitely a public This is a public building, right? So, this is a public building and anywhere that's publicly accessible, I have the right to fit, ma'am. And that's a first amendment protected activity that the Supreme Court's already ruled on. >> So, I already asked where I couldn't go. I saw signs that said employees only upstairs. I'm not going up there. >> I just wanted to get some pictures and I'll be on my way. >> And that's that's how the law is. That's my rights. I'm not doing anything to anybody. No one expected that a few weeks later, the same deputy chief of police who had come out in support of the right to film would be arrested right on the street for blatant illegal behavior. >> I'm not going to get behind anyone's desk. >> And what's the purpose of your video? >> Uh this is a historical building. This is a 150y old doing with this video. >> I usually put them on I I publish them in various places. I just >> You can sit here and make demands bus. We could also make >> I'm not demanding anything. I'm just >> your right to come in our office whether we want to allow you to. >> Is this the Is this your office or is this the public's office? >> Office. I am in charge of it. >> You're in charge of it. >> Okay. And I'm not even asking to come in there. So, I don't know where why you buted yourself into this conversation. I'll continue talking to her. She was being polite. You You weren't I'm not talking to her anymore. >> Wait a second. If you're >> deescalate deescalate, are you going to violate my rights? >> Come right in here. Absolutely. I'd love to. Let's check this out. Who is this? Are you detaining me? I can leave right now if I wanted to. >> Would you please? We've got stuff out on our desk. >> That's on you to to make private, ma'am. You just asked me to come in here >> and I'm telling you to stand out in the hall now. >> You just asked me to come in here. >> Did you tell Ricky to come over here? >> Yep. Right now. >> I was being polite. I'm just getting videos of this historical building. And now you want to try to order me around. But sir, you're telling >> I'm not going to say nothing else. >> What was I telling you? I wasn't telling you anything. I was telling you that I was following the law. >> Sit down. >> You can't make me do anything. You can't. This isn't your office. This is the public's office that the taxpayers pay for. >> I wasn't even going to come in here but to say hi and leave, but you wanted us. >> Uh, who are you and what's your name? >> My name is Ann Reed and I'm the administrative assistant in this office. >> Hi, Ann. I'm Justin. >> Justin. Justin. >> Forgive me. That's all. Then why did she have to go? >> Because she works for the public and I'm a private citizen. >> Uh, you better leave. >> Why is that? >> Because you were told you'll leave. >> In front of the camera, he refused to take a breathalyzer test. Is there an exception to the law for people in uniform? Or are all citizens equally responsible? >> And the only thing that they had was uh they were in a meeting with the insurance agent or whatever. And I said, "Well, I'll come back and get with the county judge. I don't know where." >> Just want just want them to understand. All right. Cool. Yeah. >> Which uh which way is the sheriff's? This way. >> Don't worry, we did not forget off camera. Sheriff Ricky Jones did give me that third lady's name. All right. Well, I'm going to go see what else I can find in town. I appreciate you guys being professional. >> Yeah. The only other thing we really have in town, uh, Pville City Hall. >> Well, thanks again, man. >> Yes, sir. >> It's good to meet you guys. >> Chief Deputy Perry County. Sheriff, >> okay. All right. All right. So, how much have you had drinks again? >> I've had about three, maybe four. We bought a we bought a bought a a bucket. I got you. All right. Are you willing to do any tests for me? And if you're chief deputy, you know, you're not supposed to be drinking driving. >> Okay. >> I understand. >> You know, I can't I can't just not do my job because it I still got a job that I got to do. Okay. And you know that. >> Yeah. >> So, uh, are you willing to do some tests at this point with three? I don't know. And I haven't been to DWI in 20 years. >> I got I got you. Uh, but I'm not drunk. Okay. I can't stand on my >> Are you willing to do HGN? >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. >> If you will just remove your hat for me. Okay. Place your feet together, arms directly to your side. >> When the sheriff publicly defends his subordinates despite clear evidence, the question arises, who will believe in justice if the law enforcers themselves break the law? >> Putting these. I can't do it. >> I got you. Would you be willing to blow in a PBT for me? >> I hate to argue with police officer. >> No, I understand. >> You know, >> I hate to argue with police with a police officer. I had a beer right before we left. I drank about a half a beer and set it on the table. >> Bucket and a steak is what I've had. >> Okay. >> We had a bucket and a steak and listened to Jamie Campbell play or Jason Campbell play because he's from Perry County. >> I got you. >> I don't know, man. >> We just trying to gauge where you at, man. You know it as well as we do. >> Oh, I know. I know. But like I said, I drank a half a beer before a long distance walked out the door, >> which is right I don't want to do a PBT. I don't and I I know it's not admissible in court. I just >> Okay. Well, here's the thing. Okay. Uh I do believe that there is enough to arrest you for DWI on the test. Okay. Uh give me one second though. Let me talk to my sergeant. It's not a pass or fail test. Uh SFSTs, you look for clues. It's not a pass or fail test. >> How many clues did he fail on? You have to It's pass or fail. >> It's not pass or fail. >> If you feel like I need to get a ride or whatever, that's fine with me. Somebody to drive, whatever, that's I'm okay with that. >> I've had we bought a steak each and a bucket of beer. >> Well, here. So, >> citizens may sue public officials for violating their constitutional rights. Pursuant to 42 US code SS1983, the individual/organization may be required to pay restitution to the injured party. In severe or intentional cases, punitive damages may be ordered. Additionally, the court may order the losing party to pay the plaintiff's attorney fees and litigation costs. >> I'm just I man, I I wouldn't have I wouldn't got in my truck if I was if I was I >> can't not with my bad ankles. I promise you I wouldn't have crawled in the truck if I I'm not I'm not that guy. We had a steak and three beer each. And I I say that we had a bucket. >> Did you just put a dip or a piece of gum or anything in your mouth? >> I've got zen. >> Zen. Okay. >> I And the thing is is like I'm I'm trying to give you as much courtesy as I can, >> right? >> Okay. We both know that. >> Okay. Um, I've called my assistant chief to see how to go about handling this and it's pretty much one of them things DWIs are DWIS. Okay. So, >> I mean there there is no professional courtesy. >> Okay. Uh, >> I mean it is what it is. >> Uh, man, right now I'm going to place you under arrest for DWI. Okay. >> Let me get my wallet. >> You good? >> The actions of the sheriff and deputy were seen as typical of police abuse. Law for the people and law for themselves. Deputy Chief Edwin Johnson resigned on Monday immediately after the incident. Sheriff Jones remained in office but was heavily criticized and lost credibility in the community. [Music]