like literally standing right here in the lobby recording a credit card machine. Why would they call law enforcement for that? Like >> the building where I worked and you're just out here. >> You take taxpayer dollars for for a paycheck. I don't >> I pay taxes, too. >> When authority clashes with civil rights, a single sentence can be enough to ignite a legal storm. >> Is there your name then? Or >> uh I I can give you my first name. I I wouldn't go. I mean, I know you're trying to ID me. They thought it was just a quick check, but one wrong move can turn the badge into a legal liability. In just a few minutes, a single claim about a federal offense turned the atmosphere inside the post office tents as a drawn string. When the cameraman refused to back down, the debate over recording rights and privacy quickly began to heat up. >> There it is. August of 2016. >> They asked you, "Was anything in there hazardous?" And you said yes. >> Oh, I went. Sorry. >> I guess >> I said no. There's nothing in there. You can open it up. I don't care. [laughter] >> I have nothing. >> I'm sorry. >> You can't take pictures of the card readers. >> The card readers. >> The credit card readers. These are credit card readers where people have their personal information on take pictures of those. That's against the law. >> Really? I'm >> just did a class on it. >> Really? I'm pretty sure >> federal offense. I just took the class on it, sir. >> Really? >> Yes. You can't do that. You can't take copy copies of this. You can you can videotape anything in here. You just can't do this in the kiosk. >> The kio? Oh, the thing over there. Well, I'm pretty sure we can. >> Are you like the supervisor? Yes, sir. >> Yeah. She's I think she's probably misinformed, but she's telling us me that I can't take pictures up there. >> Reader, he was taking a picture of this and you can't take a picture. >> As long as it's just got to be safe as the if there's any customers that come in, you can't be behind them and, you know, trying to >> see anything behind him. But otherwise, you can definitely video around the post office >> and and and and take pictures of this as well. Cuz she said I couldn't do it. >> As long as there's no car as long as there's no credit card information on there. Yes, you may. Well, I mean, even if it is something on there, I still >> Yeah. Is there customers credit card information? Personal customer information. There's no way you'd be able to take pictures of that. >> By law, I can. I just >> I'll show that to you where you can. >> Oh, I I'll be definitely interested in seeing it. >> Cuz I don't believe you can see other customers uh personal credit card information. >> You can. I'm telling you. You I mean, if you can show it to me, I respect it though. I mean, I told you we could. >> No, you can't. I just took a class on it. When you have a credit card, it's a federal offense. You can go to jail for real. >> A federal offense just by taking a picture. >> This is a federal building. You're in a federal institution. So right anything done wrong in here is federal. >> From what seemed like a minor argument over credit card readers, the atmosphere inside the post office quickly grew more tense than ever. Before the heated exchange could settle, an unexpected turn unfolded. The arrival of law enforcement drew every eye toward the person holding the camera. >> Say it. Say it. reason why she Here she go. Right here. >> Let's see. So, >> okay. So, we did double check and under our card holder payment training, it does say that as long as you can take videos and pictures of anything here. However, if there is a customer in front of you, you cannot um by law take pictures or videos of their credit card information. If there is such suspicious transactions or suspicious activity, we are to call the postal service. So that's all I have to >> Oh, so you don't have the pamphlet, I mean or the broke. >> Oh, okay. Good. Okay. So she So she said they're saltier than a peanut man because obviously she said she was going to bring out paperwork uh proving what she just said. She didn't bring it out. And um obviously we still can >> still can record this. They talking about this right here. They said we can't record this like what I'm doing right now. It makes no sense, man. >> But uh that was the first young lady. So this this lady said we couldn't record it at all. The supervisor said we couldn't record it while customers Oh, TTA family. If I was a betting man. Oh my god. They called Calonia owners. [sighs] Officer, >> how you know, officer? >> I'm good. I'm officially police department. Um, if I'm here, it's because there was a call about a person walking around according to >> Really? >> Yeah. >> Vehicles? >> Yep. >> Well, they probably I think they the manager here called probably cuz they was just telling me that I couldn't record uh the credit card reader machine. So, I was trying to let them know that >> obviously we can, you know what I mean? So, are you here like to pick up stuff or? >> Um, I'm I'm No, I'm not here for that. But you probably want to I don't I don't know if you want to talk to the manager right there. She cuz she obviously the one who called, >> right? Yeah. >> What's your badge number? Um, officer >> 2211. >> 221. >> Not here, but I do see your body cam rolling. Okay, cool. >> Yeah, that's recording just like how you are. >> As the police arrived and questions still lingered, the conversation shifted toward the cameraman's identity and true intentions. The atmosphere grew more tense as each answer seemed to spark even more suspicion. No, >> it wasn't her. It was the Catherine. But >> Oh, well, yeah. They was just saying that they might have to call the postal, some uh law enforcement or something if I'm standing like literally standing right here in the lobby recording a credit card machine. Why would they call law enforcement for that? Like, you know, makes no sense. >> Okay. All right. Do you have your ID on you or anything? >> Um, no. I just don't I just don't um I don't care. Sometimes I do carry ID sometimes. >> You don't have it on you? >> Uh, I don't have it on me. I don't have it on. Is there >> get your name then or? >> Uh, I I can give you my first name. I I wouldn't go. I mean, I know you're trying to D me, but I'll just give you [laughter] >> See what's going on. >> You've been You've been kind of respectful, so I I can give you my first name is James. Uh, >> your first name is what? >> James. >> James. >> Yeah. You from the area or >> I just don't want to get into all that. Officer, how you doing, officer? What's your name and badge number, sir? your name and badge number. >> Name and badge number. >> Yeah. Officer Bales 2213. >> Bailis. >> Bales. >> Bales. >> Like bales ahead. >> Okay. Yeah. Like I was explaining to your uh partner here. >> Yeah. >> Um I've been in here recording obviously exercising my right. I'm pretty sure that the manager gave the guys a ring saying how I'm, you know, I'm here doing things that I can't do cuz they was just out here telling me that I couldn't record the uh the credit card readers, you know. >> Can I ask Can I ask you why why you're here? What? Just exercise a right, my first amendment rights to record in public? >> No, not you know, I don't have any ill intent with that. There's no illegal about that, right? >> Well, I'm going to be honest with why we're here. We were actually called cuz uh we got a report they were reporting inside vehicles and if somebody found us >> really? >> Yes, sir. Yes, sir. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. I see. No, next thing. They called another one out here. Oh, wow. >> Well, to be honest, they were dispatching. I was in the area, so I stopped by as well. So, >> really? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. Well, no. Like I said, man, they uh before you guys got here, they was telling me how it was against the law to record credit card uh scanners and this kiosk machine back here. But I by you being law enforcement, you know that to not be true. Correct. Right. >> Like I said, we're we're here cuz the the nature of the call. Okay. >> Somebody somebody called and they said you were you were recording inside vehicles in the Okay. And and and they found that to be suspicious and and to be honest, it sounds a little suspicious. As the exchange with police grew tense over questions of authority and identification, the atmosphere inside the post office became increasingly heavy. Warnings were issued and within minutes, the situation took a new turn as both sides began confronting each other directly. >> Been going back and forth. >> Well, how did you get here? >> I don't want to really answer that, you know, but I' i've been here. >> Did you drive here? I I I just don't, you know, respectfully officer, I don't really want to get into those, you know, kind of questions and answers. Okay. But, uh, like I said, I'm not doing nothing illegal. So, >> yeah. So, okay. I totally I totally get what you're doing. Do you? But just as long as you're not recording people's credit card info, then that's cool. >> Well, and see, that's what they were trying to tell me at first, but I was trying to let them know that even if I did record like credit card information, that's not illegal. >> Well, yeah. You know, you can't do that cuz we don't know what you're using that credit card information. And that's a personal stuff for >> And there you go, officer. So if I use the credit card then, >> so as long as you're not doing >> Oh, so you don't want to you don't want to allow me to speak? You don't want to allow me to speak? >> Okay. So I'm telling you, as long as you're not recording that, then we'll get out of here. >> Well, I'm going to record whatever my eyes can see. >> Okay. All right. If there's an issue and they call us back, then we'll trespass you. >> Well, y'all can't trespass me because you don't have jurisdiction on federal property. >> All right. So, take care. >> Whatever our eyes can see. So, um, point blanking period, man. They they don't dictate how this go. person on this one. >> They don't dictate how this go. >> I just give you the sign here >> regardless. So, and uh they talking about somebody uh they got a call that somebody was outside recording personal vehicles. I don't believe that, man. I just don't believe that. We've been in here the whole entire time. They just trying to probably protect the personnel here, you know, for for whatever reason. But regardless, we going to we going to record whatever we want to record. So, it is what it is. TCTA family, y'all. Stay tuned. Excuse me, ma'am. What's the direct uh number to this location? >> To this location? >> Mhm. >> You want to write it down? >> Uh, you can just say it out. Yeah. >> It's 262 >> 262 >> 681 >> 681 >> 7866. >> 7866. >> And this young lady, the blonde hair lady, she's the highest person that's here right now. >> No, she's the supervisor. After tense moments of confrontation over authority and police warnings, the situation suddenly slowed as a new conversation began to form. Another figure stepped in and after just a few words. The entire dynamic seemed to shift in a way no one expected. >> For lack of a better word, it's disgusting. You know, we we shouldn't we shouldn't have had that. >> Sorry. >> Um we didn't call him here. You're within your rights to be able to do that. Uh I can't speak for everyone else though. Um unfortunately, but that wasn't from us. Oh, >> okay. But but so but you do recognize the rights that we do have. Okay. So So if I am recording these credit card machines, there's nothing illegal about that, right? So >> yeah, you're good to go, man. Like the most important thing like especially with protection of people and also yourself. I I don't know how some people feel when they're getting their stuff recorded on, but >> I can understand. But we just talking about the is it illegal? >> Oh, no. You're Yeah, we're poster 7, man. >> Exactly. What's your name, sir? >> My name is Jude. >> Jude Oak, man. We appreciate you, Jude, man. Thanks a lot for your professionalism and coming out having a dialogue. >> Hey, no problem, man. >> Thanks a lot, sir. All right. >> And thanks. >> All right. For sure. So, uh, we definitely, uh, appreciate you, man. He said it right then and there. Poster 7. He's the highest person here. Uh, the supervisor lady back there. She obviously she heard our conversation. She's uh she's probably obviously saltier than a peanut at this point because uh they keep on talking about these credit card these credit card readers, man. And she is too. She's probably salty, too. But it is what it is. That's why certain people are in put in certain spots in terms of supervisory role. And Jude, he earned that spot obviously because he just said it. So, it's weird though, but it is what it is, man. Y'all stay tuned. Hey, can I just uh purchase a stamp? >> Just one stamp? >> Yeah, >> it'll be 73 cents. So, >> you want a printed receipt or just a regular receipt? >> Regular [music] receipt, bill for sure. >> Receipt. >> All right. There you go. Have a great one. >> Thanks a lot. >> RT family. >> The final confirmations completely changed the atmosphere, leaving many to reflect on civil rights, the conduct of everyone involved [music] and one big question. If the camera hadn't been there, how would this story have ended? Up next, as a camera turned toward the county jail in the dark of night, an unexpected confrontation began. Rapid fire questions, lights shining straight into his face, and a heated debate over public rights quickly turned the situation tense. >> Excuse me. >> Do you need anything? [clears throat] >> What do you mean? I was just on our county property. I'll see if you need anything. >> I'm on your county property. >> No, I'm on public property. >> Okay. Well, do you need anything? >> Yeah, those lights out of my eyes. >> What's that? >> Those lights out of my eyes. Okay, I can talk to you now. >> I was just taking pictures of a secure facility. So, >> but it's a public facility owned by the public that we give you the honor of working in. Correct. We the people. >> Yeah. You're right. But >> Okay. So, it's a it's a public facility. >> Okay. >> Not a private facility. >> Okay. >> Is that is that true? >> Um well, actually, it's a secure facility we house inmates at. >> Right. But it but it's paid for on taxpayer dollars. Correct. Right. >> So, I can see how my investment's doing here. making sure that inmates aren't repelling off the top of the building, that the outside of this the the facility is secure, that the lights on the outside of the sign are are are well lit, that the perimeter is actually well lit [music] and that there are no lights out. I have a right to do that. Correct. >> Yeah, I guess. >> And the only way to do that is at night. >> I don't know why that would be necessary at night, but >> to make sure all the lights are working, that that you don't have any blind spots. make sure all the cameras are working to make sure I mean this sign why it's why it's bright on one side and light green on the other. I don't know >> but maybe that's something that needs addressed because it's not very easily seen from the road like the other side of the sign. You go on the other side of the sign it's well lit. >> Do you work for a secure company or something like that? Security company? No. Nope. >> You got an ID on you real quick? >> For what? >> Huh? >> For what? Just identify. >> Can I see your ID? >> Yeah, sure can. No problem. >> Okay. >> Did you read it? >> No. >> I thought you wanted to read it. >> I want to see it. >> As the debate over filming rights refused to cool down, the situation suddenly shifted when questions about identity and true intentions began to surface. The atmosphere outside the jail grew more tense by the minute, and everything seemed on the verge of entering an unpredictable new phase. had someone call and say it was pretty suspicious. So that's why we're out here. >> Suspicious for what? >> Like there's suspicious activity. It's not normal for a citizen to come take pictures of our facility to be honest. It's not normal. >> Okay. >> You can kind of see all that suspicious, right? >> No. >> You don't think so? >> No. No. I take pictures for a living. >> Okay. Did they hire you? >> People that drive by drive down the road don't know you take pictures for a living. >> Yeah. >> Do what? >> People that drive by down the road don't know you take pictures for a living. Well, maybe if they maybe if they stopped and wanted to see my trespass, I could do that. >> People don't do that. >> Well, that's not my fault. >> People just call us and we have to respond. That's not our fault either. >> I didn't say it was your fault. >> I'm just telling you. >> Yeah. I mean, if if they if they want to see if I'm a member of the press, they're more than welcome to stop. >> Are you a member of the press? >> Independent media? Yes. >> What company? >> Independent media. >> Is that independent LLC or something like that? >> I'm part of the independent media. >> Okay. Well, I identified myself, so I'm just seeing if maybe you'd identify yourself. >> Well, I didn't get a name or a badge number or P number. >> 5224. >> 5224. >> Okay. >> All right. >> I mean, >> I'm just saying that while you're talking, I identified myself. >> Mhm. >> I'm in a clear, distinct uniform. Shows where I work, came out of a building where I worked, and you're just out here. >> You take taxpayer dollars for for a paycheck. I don't >> I pay taxes, too. >> Yeah. But the difference is I don't get my taxes back at the end of the week. Where do you >> Doesn't mean I do either. >> Well, you do. You just said that that you pay taxes, too. If my tax dollars go to your paycheck and and and you pay taxes, that means you get your taxes back. >> If you live in Cass County, >> does that matter? >> Yes, it does. >> No, it doesn't. >> Yes, it does. >> No, absolutely not. >> I live in the United States. It's good enough. >> Right. So, this is not a federal building. This is a county. >> Does Does it matter if it's a federal building? >> I live in C County. If I buy gas, if I buy food, if I go chew bubble gum, if I go get a cup of coffee in this county, I pay for this building. The taxes that I spend in this county pay for this building. >> As the exchange over identity and authority remained highly disputed, the situation suddenly shifted into more sensitive territory when radio transmissions began to raise suspicions for the main subject. Moments later, the atmosphere grew more tense than ever, and a new confrontation seemed to be taking shape. dark. >> Okay. >> So, you're >> Well, what what what makes you think I haven't been out here all night? >> Cuz I was here at 10:00. >> Okay. What makes you think I haven't been in other buildings? >> Checking other buildings. >> Not here for the other buildings. >> We're worried about our here. >> So, this is what time I got to this building because I was busy at other buildings, at other places. I had other things to do. >> Okay. >> So, now is my time. So I can't you can video me and take photos of us, but we can't do you. >> You can you can you can exercise just like I'm exercising. >> Okay. >> Freedom of press. >> All right. Doesn't matter. County suspicious smell outside of the county building in the jail part. Taking photographs and videoing >> inside the jail park. I think he just made a false call. I'm on public property. 911. >> Hey guys, you see this? He just made a false call. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, I I heard it, too. >> It's not a false. >> Uh-huh. >> I'm I'm not I'm not in I'm not inside the building. No. Yeah. Yeah. You guys heard it. Yeah. You guys are being live streamed, by the way. >> Sorry. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I can hear I can hear I got you right here. >> Okay. >> I can hear your call. I heard what you exactly what you said. >> C County 915. Correction. He's taking photographs outside of the county building. Do >> you have body cameras? >> No. >> Yeah. >> You don't need them. >> Okay. Well, I'm just seeing what I need to uh request. >> Dispatch dispatch records. >> Mistake. I just corrected it. >> Okay. Well, I'm going to make sure that that for my safety and your accountability that I get I get a hold of that, too. I don't want them coming to my house and going, "Look, you were on the jail property." When clearly I was not. After the dispute over the suspicious call left the atmosphere heavy, the conversation entered a new phase as both sides began addressing authority and legal boundaries more directly. Each exchange pushed the situation closer to a climax and the moments ahead promised even greater tension. >> Am I being deta am I being detained or am I free to go? >> I have never detained. >> Well, I'm just asking am I detained or am I free to go? >> Okay. So, it's a tier one conversation. >> Huh? >> It's a tier one conversation, right? We haven't escalated. >> It's There's nothing to >> Are Are you Are you even AIA certified or you a correctional officer? >> Uh, I'm AIA certified. Yeah. >> Okay. Just making sure. >> So, what's tier one? >> A consensual conversation, >> right? That's what we're doing. >> Okay. I'm just making sure. >> Got a suspicious male out in front of our building taking photographs. Mhm. Okay. Suspicious. >> Yeah, it's suspicious. >> Oh, okay. >> In my six years of law enforcement, I've never had someone show up at a facility jail taking photographs. Just never happened. >> Well, what what what about the other three people that are out here? >> What do you mean? >> I'm not alone. >> Well, who's with Is there more people? >> Oh, yes. I don't come out here alone. Am I crazy? I know how you guys are. >> What do you mean? >> You got guns, you got tasers, you got handcuffs. >> I wouldn't come out here alone. >> Well, now you understand why we carry guns and tasers and things. >> Well, I don't. I'm totally unarmed. >> I don't know what you got to be afraid of. >> You guys. >> So, if you had an emergency, say a car accident or struck by a vehicle while walking around here, you wouldn't call 911 for help. Hopefully they send the firefighters cuz I've never seen I've never seen firefighters do anything bad. >> Well, we would be there first before firefighters to help you. >> Well, that's terrible. >> Why is that terrible? >> Cuz I see what you guys do to people. >> We can come there. What do you mean you guys? Why are you putting us me and this officer in the category of others? That's That doesn't make any sense. >> I'm sure it does. >> So, if I would say >> I mean I mean there there are vehicles all over the place with with flags with blue lines on them. So, so you guys aren't in your little gang? You guys aren't in your little group. You guys don't have your little gang signed for ID. All that good stuff? >> No, we don't. >> No, you do. >> We're not a gang. >> Okay. >> No forceful action took place, but questions about civil rights, police conduct, and legal boundaries remain unresolved. Citizens may file a lawsuit under section 1,983. [music] If their rights are violated, officers who overstep could face [music] financial liability, disciplinary action, or even termination. A civilized [music] society is not built through confrontation, but through dialogue. When both citizens and authorities place safety, truth, and human dignity above personal ego, real progress becomes possible. Hey everyone, what do you think about this situation? If you enjoyed the video, don't forget to like, [music] subscribe, and support us with a donation. Thank you so much. [music]