I'm taking photographs. >> That's perfect. >> Unless I'm being detained. Am I being detained? >> It's an investigation. >> You are being detained until we can figure out who your name is. >> You are not allowed to film in here. >> Okay. I'm going to ask you to calm down for a second. You're >> not allowed to film in here. I'm going to have to ask you to leave. >> A casual photo shoot turns into a hearttoppping interrogation in the middle of >> We can make a notation that you were in the area, who you're who you were, and what you were doing. >> Who I am is investigative journalist gathering content for story. Go ahead. Your name is. I'm giving you a chance to give me your name. We're conducting an investigation as to what you're doing. >> When civil rights collide with abuse of power, what's really going on in Valuchia today? As soon as he raised his camera, he was announced to be under arrest. But for what reason? The police themselves could not answer. >> There's my hands. That's got nothing in my hands. All right. >> He's taking photographs of a power plant. A misdemeanor or a felony. >> Demanding immediate document presentation. But is this their legal right or just baseless coercion? >> Whatever I can see for public. I'm just gathering information about uh just investigative journalist gathering content for a story. That's all. >> There's my hands. That's got nothing in my hands. All right. >> I take pictures of the plant. >> Why not? >> Why not? >> Yeah. >> Raise a little bit of suspension. >> It's not illegal though, right? >> That's not illegal. No. >> You have a vehicle with you? >> I'm not answering any questions. Like I said, I I explained to him I'm a journalist gathering content for story. I'm not breaking any laws. So, >> well, we're still talking to you. We need to identify who we're talking. >> I can't hear you. I'm sorry. >> We're trying to identify who we're talking to just because there was a consistent when the things the way things are right now, we at least need to identify who we're speaking to so we can make an assertion that you were in the area, who you're who you were and what you were doing. >> Who I am is a investigative journalist gathering content for story. >> Okay. I need your name. >> I'm taking photographs. >> That's perfect. >> Unless I'm being detained. Am I being detained? >> It's an investigation right now. You are >> I am being detained. You are being detained until we can figure out who your name is. I'm giving you a chance to give me your name. We're conducting an investigation as to what you're doing. Therefore, I'm asking you for your name. >> What uh reasonable articul suspicion do you have there? >> I'm taking photographs of a power plant. >> Is taking photographs of a power plant a misdemeanor or a felony? >> Is it a misdemeanor or a felony to take pictures? >> Right now, you're failing to identify who you are while being investigated by law. That's the crime you're committing at this point. >> Well, that what would that be? failing to provide identification to a law enforcement officer when you have been asked to do so. >> Is that a crime? >> It's a crime to provide law enforcement with an identification or your name so that when it's been passed upon, do not do so. >> But you've already confirmed that I'm not doing anything illegal. >> Threats of arrest were issued while they themselves admitted this man had committed no crime. >> Don't get me wrong, there's no duty to identify if I haven't if I'm not suspected of a crime. We're telling you right now, we are completing an investigation as to what you're doing and what you're photographing. >> I've already told you that I'm an investigative journalist. >> We need to identify. We're asking you that we need to identify who you are so we can make a notation that you were in the area failing to provide law enforcement officer with a form of identification after you have been asked to do so is a crime. >> You've already confirmed that I'm not committing a crime. What I'm doing is perfectly lawful of standing on a public sidewalk. Not only is it Just let me finish. Just let me finish. Not only is it perfectly lawful, it's constitutionally protected activity. >> I'm not asking you whether or not you are going to be taking photographs on on the side of the road. That's not what I'm I'm We've already clarified that. However, >> this is a First Amendment protected right. You guys are detaining me unlawfully. And now you're forcing me to give up my identification, which is unlawful. I'm going to give you guys a chance not to do that. I'm not refusing to do it, but I'm going to give you guys a chance not to unlawfully detain me. Am I going to be arrested or not if I don't give it to you? >> Just depends. Why are you refusing to give it? because it's none of your business who lie. It's my personal information. >> I'm a policeman officer. I have a right to find out who I am. >> You have a supervisor? >> I do. You want me to come over? Because I'll be more than >> Please, please call your supervisor and we'll take it from there. Okay. I want to make it clear. I don't consent to being detained. I'd like to be free to go and go about my business. >> A senior officer appeared and within seconds, the entire tense confrontation suddenly took a different turn. >> Everything's being recorded. >> I will be doing a public records request to obtain those videos. Right now you're telling me you're perfectly fine, but I have no way of proving that unless they provide you some kind of identification because you're in an area at a time that's not common for normal people to be in photograph. >> Like I express to Deputy Richardson, I do not consent to being detained. I would like to be free to go as soon as possible. >> All right, sir. I'm going to advise you constitutional rights. Okay. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can't be used against you in court. You have the right to talk to a lawyer for advice before we ask you any questions and to have your listening during any question if you wish. If you decide to answer questions without a lawyer present, you will still have the right to stop answering at any time. You'll also have the right to stop answering at any time until you talk to a lawyer. Do you understand these are those right? >> Nice to meet you. >> What's your name, sir? >> My name is Jeff. I'm investigative journalist. I'm just taking photographs. They've already they've already advised me that that is not illegal. >> Fine. But if that's all you're doing is taking pictures. >> Okay. Am I free to go outside? Jeff, >> I know it is. Am I free to go? >> What's that? >> Am I free to go? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Well, we're You don't want to give us your last name or anything like that, Jeff? I'd rather not if I'm not doing anything illegal. >> You wouldn't even free. I don't know. >> But no, you're not doing anything illegal. >> Okay. So, I'm free to go. >> Yeah. Okay. >> But just when he thought he was free, a new accusation suddenly arose. And this time, it revolved around the camera that was recording the whole truth. >> Were you Were you recording our conversation between the two of us? >> I am. Yes, sir. >> Okay. Well, you didn't tell me you were recording that conversation, >> did you? Okay. That's illegal under Florida statute. Do you realize that? >> Uh, actually, it is. Center Security Communications Act is what it is. >> Not when it comes to public officials. >> Uh, no. I think you're wrong, buddy. Okay. But you need to tell me you're recording me. If I'm talking to you, say, "Hey, I'm recording this conversation." And I'd be fine with that cuz you told me you're recording me. >> All right. The sergeant, Sergeant Ford, just pulled out and it's blue uh Ford. It's coming up behind me at pretty high rate of speed. I'm going to turn in here to the gas station. I'm going to turn down this road. If he's going to run my tag, I want him to commit to doing it. My turn signal's on. All right, he's coming up behind me. Jeff was released without being arrested or charged. However, the incident shows that the police abused their power by detaining a lawful citizen, threatening to make an unlawful arrest and misunderstanding their constitutional rights. Next, just when everything seemed to be going smoothly with the arrival of the sheriff, suddenly another place becomes the center of unbelievable tension. >> Sir, you're not allowed to film in here. >> I'm not allowed. >> This is a federal building. You are not allowed to film in here. So, what he's reading right there is the rules and regulations governing conduct on postal property. One of his clerks came up to me and said, "You need to stop filming me." In just a few minutes, this man was instantly branded a troublemaker from a regular customer. And a phone call to the police changed the whole situation. >> Stop the spread of germs. >> Sir, you're not allowed to film in here. >> I'm not allowed. >> This is a federal building. You are not allowed to film in here. >> Okay. All right, I'm going to ask you to calm down for a second cuz >> So, but they come to me and they told me that you've asked you not to do that. You're not allowed to film in here. >> Who are you first? >> I'm the closing supervisor. >> You are not allowed to film in here. So, I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Ask you to leave. Please put the the phone down. Stop filming. I'm going to have to ask you. >> Can I get your name, sir? >> So, I'm asking you to leave. Come on. >> Roger. Sir, >> I'm asking you to leave. >> Sir, I'm an independent journalist gathering contents for a gathering gathering content for a story. >> I'm asking you to leave. You're not allowed to film in a federal building. >> Please walk out. >> Yes, I am. What law is that? Can you show me the law that says that I can't? >> Sir, I can call the police and have you escort me out? I'm asking you to please walk out. >> There I have a right of freedom of press in this country. This is a public building building. >> Please walk out. >> I understand what you're what you're saying, but I'm nicely. >> I have asked you to not film in here. >> Yeah. >> Why would that be to do it? Cuz it's a federal building. You're not. >> I'm just asking you why. >> Please step out. >> Why can't I film in here? >> Come on, step out. >> So, you do realize that there's cameras in this building that is filming me >> and I didn't give you permission, right? What's the difference? >> I'm asking you to please step out. >> Would you like to look at the rules and regulations governing conduct on postal property, sir? >> Poster seven. You have you have it posted right outside. >> I'm asking you to step out. What followed was not just a legal argument, but a tense battle of wits between an informed citizen and an entire system of government. >> I'm not yelling. I'm not screaming. I'm not interfering. You're interfering with business right now. That's what you're doing. I'm not >> I'm just trying to get some stamps here. And I'm also an independent journalist. I just spoke to your chief over at the police station. >> Okay. >> And um he says he has no problem with me exercising my first amendment right here. Can you come over here and talk real quick? Yeah. Sure. Sure. Sure. >> I'm Officer Manley, by the way. >> And your badge number, sir? >> 59. >> 59. So, what he's reading right there is the rules and regulations governing conduct on postal property. And I'm permitted to film in the lobbies, foyers. It says it right there. I'm I'm an independent journalist. I'm gathering content for a story. Just like I was filming at the municipal building probably 10 minutes ago, and your police chief came out and said he has no problem with me filming. But now, apparently, there's a there's an issue. He says there's a federal law against filming, but I showed him the actual federal law and he's still not he's not understanding that I'm allowed to film. >> Did you read something on the wall over there or is it is he reading something different than what you're reading? >> No, no, no. He Well, he came out. First of all, I'm I'm not filming anybody. I'm not I'm not like following anybody. >> What are What is this for? Is it >> So, it's for a story I'm working on on the post office. I'm an independent journalist. Correct. I I am incorporated. I have a company, but I work for myself. And >> what's the story about? >> An issue with them. >> Do I have an issue with who? >> Is there is that why you're filming? Is Is there an issue with the place or is >> No, there's there's no issue with this. I'm just >> I'm not from here. I'm just gathering content for my story the on all the public buildings here, whether it be a post office, the municipal building where I was just at, you know, anything of that nature. And I'm just filming, you know, what I can see from public. One of his clerks came up to me and said, "You need to stop filming me." like you were to speak to me and I turn the camera because that's I'm filming where I'm seeing and then he says, "You need to stop filming me. It's against federal law." I said, "You're incorrect, sir. I'm not trying to disturb any business or anything. I'm just filming in public." >> My thing is is there's nothing illegal about you filming. >> And I and I pointed that out that there's cameras in this building. There's no difference, you know, just because why don't I have to sign a waiver every time I walk into this building? Because it's a public building. They're allowed to record just like I am. Well, it it's a public building to where you can >> You're recording in the building right now. >> Oh, absolutely. >> But the biggest shock was when the camera accidentally recorded the way officers talked behind citizens backs. Words that revealed their true faces that few expected. >> Um, you're a public servant just like I was had a good conversation with your chief not 20 minutes ago, you know, and he told me, "Hey, I'm a public servant. They're public servants. You're a public servant. You know, you shouldn't be treating people that way." And I had no issues. Your chief and I had a great conversation. So, I had no issues whatsoever. So, I would like to go back about about my business. >> Yeah. Let me give me just a second. Let me talk to him. See if I can calm him down and then I'll be right back. I'll be right back. Just chill out for a second. >> Yep. >> And then uh >> Hi, officer. >> If you would just come talk to me real quick. >> Can I just get your name and badge number before you go? >> Officer Michelle 23. >> 23. Thank you. >> What's your first name again? >> I don't want to give any private information while I'm here. I don't want to give any private information. I'm just an independent journalist. >> You asked for ours, but you can't give yours. >> Oh, why does it have to be a tip for tat again? Your chief did a lot better than you. >> I just want to be respectful. >> I know, but your chief did a lot better than you. Your chief didn't even ask me my name. He knows he he knows better. >> It's just a form of respect. >> It's not about It's not But you're No, no, no. It's not about Exactly. That's it. It's a respect thing to exercise my Fourth Amendment right. >> Thank you. There's not. >> So, here's the thing. >> Is >> he's doing the whole first amendment. >> Well, they have rules. Yeah, there have there is a thing in there with rules on it. And it says that >> and it does say for um media purposes that he can that people for media purposes can record in lobbies lobbies, corridors, and hallways of places like this. And it says it word for word. >> Mhm. >> Um, >> how how can we confirm that he's a >> independent journalist? >> I mean, I guess we can't, right? >> Yep. He's alive. >> Yeah, I know. Just just just give us a couple minutes. We're trying to figure it all out. You have nothing to be worried about, though. >> Yep. >> Can you see if you can get a supervisor here? >> Yeah, that's thought that's what he was doing. >> Yeah. And the climax of the drama, a mysterious detail that makes the person involved wonder, was he being followed all along? >> Good luck, dude. >> How was it, sir? >> It made every day be good. >> So, again, let's finish up here. Glad everybody was educated at the post office today. That really makes my day because apparently they seem to think it's against federal law. Everybody uh has been promptly educated on our First Amendment rights. I want to know how this officer knew my name was Sean. I'm all the way in Kentucky. There's no way. There's no way. There's no way they know who I am all the way out here. Hey, what's going on? >> Hey, what's going on, man? >> Hey, how'd you know my name? That's pretty cool, man. >> How'd you know? Am I that famous? >> You're not famous. >> Am I that famous? >> I don't know you. >> You did know me. You said my name was Sean. I don't know everything about you. Do you have anything you need to ask me? >> Yeah. Can I get the CAD number for this call, please? >> Why Why won't you give me the CAD number? >> Cuz I don't I have to. >> You don't have to? >> No, you can call supervisor and get if you want. >> Can you call a supervisor? >> Nope. >> That's your policy to call a supervisor. >> No, if you need to call a supervisor, you can call a police department. >> Listen, there's no need for you to act like that. All right? There's no need. Okay? >> Again, you should learn from your chief. Why don't you call one? That's your policy. >> I don't have to call one. That is your policy to call when a member of the public asks to speak to a supervisor, you should call up the supervisor. >> That's what you should do. >> I'm not >> Why are you being difficult for it? >> Well, I mean, why are you You're at my cruiser. >> Yeah, because you're a public servant. I'm asking you to serve me with the CAT number of this call. Call supervisor, please. >> No, thank you. Have a good day. >> Call supervisor, please. >> All right. All right. Have a good day. 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 audit justified filming at the post office, but it also exposed police corruption and abuse of power. The Florence Bey was called out for not following internal policy. Postal workers were educated on the law, and the public witnessed how public officials lie to and disrespect citizens behind their backs. >> You are being detained. No, no, no. You are being detained. >> Turn your wrist, man. The man just stood still filming on the sidewalk, but a few minutes later he was handcuffed as a dangerous criminal. >> And he keeps pointing. He was like he was doing counting. >> Do you have an ID with you? Pat him down for an ID if he's not going to cooperate. >> You are being detained. No, no, no. You are being detained. >> What you don't understand about you cannot hold a camera up to a window to record the inside of a building. >> That is not constitutionally protected. trespass behind them on the sidewalk. >> An emergency call from a bank reveals something unusual. A man standing on the sidewalk, silent but causing panic among employees to call 911. What is he doing? >> I came out here and I stood in front of them. >> Do you have an ID with you? Patting down for an I. He's not going to cooperate. You are being detained. >> No. No. I'm not going to argue with you cuz you don't want to listen. No. No. I'm not going to. >> All of you officers on the same page. You can't a All right, y'all. >> Without asking why, an officer stepped forward with gloves on. And the first words he spoke were not hello, but orders. >> I'm standing at the window taking videos inside. You should clearly see the vault. You guys, I came out here. I stood in front of him, put my hand there, didn't stop, completely just pretended like I didn't exist. My manager, my assistant manager came over here. We stood in front of the window. We put a sign in front of the window. Every time we put the sign here, he moves over to take more video. >> Said anything to you? >> No. Completely quiet. Hasn't said. >> So, he's holding the camera up to the window recording the inside. >> What are they trying to say? >> And he was pointing. He was like he was counting. >> There's the guy from the other. >> Okay. >> I have him on video as well. >> Him holding the camera up to the window on the inside. He can't he can't do that. Absolutely not. >> I don't know what he was counting, but he was like doing this counting >> and then he wal here. We need to communicate with him. He needs to leave. He needs to stop doing that. He needs to leave. >> H Fr. >> I don't know that the bank is going to let him do that video. He's got >> you need to speak. You need to talk. Hollywood France. >> No ID. Handcuffed immediately. But what was the charge? Even the police couldn't give a clear answer, just repeating the same strange reason. Recording is illegal. >> Do you have an ID with you? >> Do you have an ID with you? Pat him down for an ID. If he's not going to cooperate, you are being detained. No, no, no. You are being detained. >> Do you have an ID with you? Pat him down for an ID. If he's not going to cooperate, you are being detained. No, no, no. You are being detained. You are being detained. No, no, no. You are being detained. >> I don't care. I don't care. You want to play these games, not listen? Check for his ID. >> Hold on. That one's not done. That one. Turn your wrist, man. There we go. phone wallet or something over here. >> Okay. >> You think somebody can record can record through your window inside your house? >> Whatever side on the sidewalk. >> Whatever. No, you can't. What's your name? >> PlayStation privacy in public. I'm on the sidewalk. >> You're holding the camera recording. I'm not even going to argue with you cuz you don't want to listen. No. Listen. No, I'm not going to even the escalator >> because you played stupid games. I can't understand. >> I didn't vote my fifth amendment, right? his no ID. >> I hope you find the ID. You wouldn't realize you messed up. Okay. No, we didn't mess up anything. >> You did. >> Is there a name on that? >> I don't know. I'll find out. Trouble. >> Like I haven't heard that before in my career. >> Like you say handling court. >> Like I haven't seen you people like you play these games before. >> Game. >> When people cite the fifth amendment and the constitution, the police respond with this. You are playing a game of provocation. Is citizenship a game now? >> The Constitution is a game to you. >> No, you playing games trying to provoke. You trying to provoke a response. Speak to nobody. Trying to provoke response. >> I didn't even speak to nobody. I knew you would say that. I knew you would say that. >> You better be in the same trouble. They did the same thing. >> You say handling court. >> Those dismissal papers. Somebody doing the same thing. >> Like I haven't heard that before in my career. >> Like you say handling court. >> Like I haven't seen you people like you play these games before. So the constitution is a game to you. >> No, you playing games trying to provoke you trying to provoke a response. >> Nobody trying to provoke a response. Okay. What do we got here? >> Dismissal papers. >> No contact order. >> Same thing. >> No contact order, >> man. >> No contact order. Dismissal papers. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Far from it actually. >> I'm telling you >> it's >> I don't care. >> See, I don't care about the law or the constitution. >> I don't have to speak. >> You don't have to speak amendment. Right. But you're intentionally trying to provoke people by playing, walking to banks, recording in videos. >> Yeah. Trying to provoke because you just talk over. Talk over talk over talk over. Keep talking over. >> Talk over right now. Talk over. >> I'm standing right here. >> Like you'll see what we can locate. I cannot scan. >> He was standing on the sidewalk, not crossing the line. So why was he arrested? Does the Constitution have no meaning when law enforcement ignores it? >> I have a right that I actually don't have to speak with you, sir. >> That's correct. >> I'm on a public sidewalk. >> I can point my camera. >> So if I'm over across the street, I can't point my camera. >> Yeah, sure you can. >> I wasn't right at the window. I was right here. I was almost behind the road. Go ahead and show. Even if I was >> There's no expectation of privacy in public. >> Public. >> You don't start. Okay. So, if this is a house, >> I can't go on someone's property. >> I can't go on someone's property. I can't go on someone's property. >> He just doesn't want to listen. >> Yeah. So, we walk up, we got the camera and like, "Hey, man. What are you doing?" And he doesn't say a word. He won't say a word. And we're like, "Hey, man. You can't be doing this. You can't point the camera inside the bank." And the word just keeps pointing at the sidewalk. And so, he wouldn't say, "You don't know. This is somebody's window to their bedroom. You think you can walk off? >> I can't go on someone's property. I can't go on someone's property. >> I can't go on someone's property. He said window. >> Hey, I thought you officers be smarter on the public sidewalk. Okay. There's no You can't turn a constitutional protective activity into a crime. All of you officers on the same page. You can't turn a All right, y'all. Let's go. >> The video clearly shows an abuse of power, the arbitrary arrest and forcible removal of people who were exercising their right to record in public without any indication of disturbance or danger. The police actions could result in a civil lawsuit under 42 USC SS1 1983 for violating the first and fourth amendments. No justice yet, only the authorities making up laws and talking behind people's backs. Hey guys, what do you think about this situation? If you like the video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and support us with donations. Thank you very much. [Music]