At a vehicle accident in November, photographers were approached by officers of local police departments who strongly advised them to stop taking photos, and in one instance to wait a few days before publishing any photos that had already been taken. In another instance, a police officer allegedly intending to photograph a news photographer (for "identification" purposes) relented when the photographer showed his press credentials. (At no time did photographers cross the police line or otherwise interfere with the investigation.)
While executing these actions, the officers said they have the right to confiscate cameras and hold them for a few days, and that District Attorney Craig Stedman has the authority to confiscate cameras and extract images of potential crimes scenes. In at least one instance, the officer indicated that this accident scene was a potential crime scene. According to an official source, the directive to stop taking photos and “Do something about this” came from a West Hempfield police officer at the scene.
About a week later, a representative of this website met with the West Hempfield police chief, who said that an officer ordering such an action would be in violation of the department's policy and that he would speak to the officer in question.
In a phone call placed shortly after this meeting by a representative of this website to District Attorney Stedman's office, an officer there said that the DA does not have the authority to command officers and that police departments are in charge of their own officers. He suggested the matter be discussed with the police chief - which had already been done.
[Names (except for Stedman) are being withheld at this time.]
A page on photographer's rights is HERE. Information will be added periodically.
