The age of security is over. Now, eery move is recorded by cameras. This is wonderful in some spects but concerning in other ways. People are less likely to commit crimes because they know that it will be documented. It also can be liberating, freeing people from crimes they haven't done. The issue becomes clear when photographs are used like ammo in political warfare. This concept is alluded by the article "Are guns the New Ammunition?" This issue of recording Police Officers could not be more relevant to current events. It seems that just about every week, there is an issue regarding police brutality. The cameras and video cameras are how citizens can keep Police Officers in check. Frankly, this should only be an issue to officers who are not following the law anyways. Recording should not be viewed as a crime, particularly in public places.
This issue becomes very clear when reading the article "Artist Could Face 15 Years in Prison for Recording his own Arrest". A man selling non legitimate items for a dollar was finally being rightfully arrested. By recording his arrest, the man subjected himself to lots of legal troubles. Fortunately for him, it is unlikely that he will ever serve a day in prison for this 'crime'. Even still, the prospect that a man could be thrown in jail for a decade and a half simply for recording his arrest is shocking. In Rochester a similar situation arose. A women videotaping police on her own property, mind you, was arrested for doing so.
What this all comes down to authority, and how authority does not like to be challenged. They generally do not like when their subordinates have power over them. They should be scared though, because with this weapon of photography, citizens are keeping authority in check; the way it should be. Cameras are the ultimate equalizer, because the tape doesn't lie. That's why calling it a weapon is a fair assessment. A weapon that will always maintain it's integrity. That's why videotaping is such a powerful and scary prospect for authority.
2 comments:
I totally agree, the power of video surveillance is so righteous when used in the right ways. There's not much you can question about its validity. (with the exception of video editing) It is a powerful tool of evidence. It is unfortunate that law enforcement have been prosecuting the people behind the cameras when the footage makes the law enforcement look bad. - nick saccary
I also agree and believe that authority needs to be challenged and accountable for their actions. The technology of recording is a tool that is very helpful today and has brought power to people that have access to the internet. The internet has now given a voice to the average civilian which is incredible because now news sources are not as important and filters are broken.
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