Caught on Camera: Handling Filming Incidents in Public Libraries

 Good Morning, it's Monday, December 16th, 2024!

We want to hear from you: 
Do any of our readers have experience responding to First Amendment Auditor calls? In this week’s legal update we discuss filming in a public library.

If you or your department has had an encounter (good or bad) with an Auditor reply to this email and tell us your story.

🤝 MEET YOUR FELLOW OFFICERS

We’re planning a virtual Meet & Greet to connect cops from across the country. This is your opportunity to network with cops from all over the country.
Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 7 PM Eastern Time.

🗓️ What to Expect in This Issue:

•  Today’s Scenario: Was the officer in the video correct?

•  Last Week in Policing: Major incidents and key takeaways from last week.

•  Legal Update: The verdict on this week’s scenario.

• Officer Wellness: Why Are Police Marriages So Difficult?

🎯 TODAY'S SCENARIO

A First Amendment auditor records inside a public library. Staff say filming is against policy and ask him to stop. He refuses, citing his constitutional rights. Law enforcement arrives, restates the policy, and warns he could be trespassed if he doesn’t comply. The auditor leaves without incident.

@code.blueclips

He Wasted No Time 😂 #foryou #fyp #cops2 #codeblueclips #auditor #policeoftiktok #1stamendment #tresspass #creatorsearchinsights

➡️ Check out the legal update section below.

 📚 Last Week’s Recap: Dec 8 – Dec 14, 2024

Here’s what went down in law enforcement last week:

👮‍♂️ Line of Duty Deaths: 2

📰 In the News:

• 🧩 Illinois Enacts Autism Training for Police:
  New law requires autism-informed training for officers to improve understanding and interactions.
  Read More

• 🚨 Maryland State Police Bust for Online Solicitation:
  Arrest made in alleged sexual solicitation of a minor—emphasizing the importance of digital vigilance.
  Get the Story

• 🦺 Florida’s New Law: Keeping Crowds at a Distance:
  Beginning Jan. 1, a new rule aims to protect officers and maintain order by setting safe observation perimeters.
  Explore the Details

• 🎓 Montana’s Upgraded Training Academy:
  A state-of-the-art facility enhances scenario-based drills, helping officers train with greater realism.
  Learn More

🏛 Legal Update
Can You Film Inside a Public Library?

The U.S. Supreme Court hasn’t weighed in directly, leaving libraries as “limited public forums” where they can set reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions provided they are content-neutral—like limits on filming—if those rules serve a clear purpose and still leave room for free expression.

Kreimer v. Bureau of Police for Morristown (1992)

• What’s key: The court recognized a library’s right to enforce rules that maintain a calm, focused environment.

• What it means today: While it doesn’t address filming outright, it supports the idea that libraries can set boundaries without trampling First Amendment rights.

Do’s & Don’ts for Officers
Do:

• Know the Library’s Policies: Understand the rules so you can apply them consistently.

• Focus on Behavior, Not Content: Enforce time, place, and manner restrictions equally.

• Protect the Library’s Mission: Emphasize that the goal is a peaceful, learning-friendly space.

Don’t:

• Enforce Vague Rules: Stick to clearly defined, well-posted policies.

• Target Opinions or Messages: Action should never hinge on what’s being said or filmed.

• Block All Outlets: If filming isn’t allowed in one spot, ensure other expressive options exist.

Ready for More?
Join our December Webinar (12/27/2024 at 7 PM EST) for a deeper look at First Amendment audits—real examples, best practices, and expert guidance to build your confidence in handling these calls.

Secure Your Spot and sharpen your skills before the next incident arrives.

⚡️ Officer Wellness
Why Are Police Marriages So Difficult?
Find the solutions here from Eric Tung on Police1

The big picture: Law enforcement work doesn’t just test your courage—it tests your relationships. Demanding hours, exposure to trauma, and constant hyper-vigilance can strain even the strongest bonds at home.

Why it matters:

• Stress follows you home: The emotional toll of the job can erode trust, intimacy, and understanding.

• Communication is key: Honest talks, marriage counseling, and peer support can help bridge the gap.

• Set boundaries: Guard your non-work time fiercely, separating the badge from the dinner table.

Bottom line: Your marriage can thrive alongside your career. Start by acknowledging the unique pressures, then click here to learn Eric Tung’s strategies for strengthening your bond.

 💪🏽 A Few Things You Might Enjoy

• AI Cop Toolkit: Our go-to resource for making policing easier with 100+ ChatGPT prompts. It’s a quick read, and it could save you time and headaches.

• First Amendment Auditors Webinar: It’s never fun to be caught off guard. This session digs into the do’s and don’ts, helping you be more prepared next time a camera’s pointed your way.

• Pursuit Redy Playlist: Check out the pursuit-ready playlist to motivate you and start your shift on the right foot.

• Share the newsletter. Forward this email to your shift or any other cop who could use it.