Almost anyone can get nervous and panic if the cops decide to pull them over, especially if they do not know why. As a result, someone in this situation may decide to film the interaction with the police.
While Tennessee doesn’t have a specific law about filming the police, that doesn’t mean there aren’t rules to follow. Awareness of your rights can help you handle these situations better.
Your rights when filming police
The U.S. Constitution generally allows you to film police officers in public places. This includes during traffic stops on public roads. But keep in mind:
- You can usually film in areas open to the public
- Stay far enough away to avoid interfering with police work
- Filming doesn’t let you go into restricted areas
Recording can be a good way to document what happens, but always put your safety first and follow the officer’s legal instructions.
What not to do when filming police
Though you can film police during a traffic stop, there are some things you may do that could cause a situation to escalate. To stay out of trouble when filming police officers, do not:
- Interfere with police work: Don’t get in the way or stand too close
- Resist lawful orders: Do what the officer asks, even if told to stop filming
- Become confrontational: Stay calm and don’t make the situation worse
- Lie about filming: Be honest if asked if you’re recording
- Share false information: Don’t spread wrong information about what happened
Remember, you might have the right to film, but officers need to do their job and keep everyone safe. Furthermore, these actions could land you a disorderly conduct charge or other legal problems.
You should not be afraid of filming police officers in Tennessee, but you need to be careful. Understanding what you can and can’t do could help you make smart choices during police encounters.