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Tuesday, October 01, 2013

SPJ's foundation makes grant to train journalists and police on rights to take pictures in public

Journalism groups are collaborating on national training program for police and journalists, "to foster greater understanding and awareness of the right to take photographs and video in public without being interfered with, harassed or arrested," the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation announced today. The foundation, affiliated with the Society of Professional Journalists, is making a $12,500 grant to help SPJ work with the National Press Photographers Association on the project.

The foundation sees a need for better relations between police and journalists in the field. "Since 9/11, there has been a heightened awareness of anyone taking pictures or recording events in public, and the increase of cell phone cameras has exacerbated tensions," the release said. "As a result, many in law enforcement have the false belief they can order people to stop taking pictures or recording in public. Interference and in some cases arrests have led to a number of court cases, some six-figure settlements, new policies and procedures, and serious disciplinary actions against the officers involved."

Next year, NPPA General Counsel Mickey Osterreicher will conduct the training in five "geographically diverse cities," the release says. A photojournalist for 40 years, he deals with such issues daily, has trained police in several cities and helped develop guidelines and policies for several police departments.

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