In a time when police activity is under increased scrutiny, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit has joined a growing list of federal courts that say the recording of police officers in public is protected by the First Amendment.
The Third Circuit’s ruling July 7 comes amid growing calls for police accountability and transparency in the wake of numerous high-profile police-involved shootings. These calls have led departments to use body cameras and enhanced conflict resolution training for officers. And now, civil rights advocates in the circuit, which covers Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware, have scored a significant victory with the court’s decision.
