About a month ago, I was working on a street photography assignment for a filmmaking class. On March 17, I saw a homeless man exposing himself to students walking by. Shortly thereafter, a few Temple police officers approached the man. I was in luck, I thought.
What could make better street photos than ones of a man literally caught with his pants down by a group of cops? I went around to the sidewalk to get a better view.
What I ended up getting was disciplinary probation through the Fall 2009 semester and 20 hours of community service for a code of conduct violation because I disobeyed a “duly authorized university personnel acting in his official capacity.”
This “official capacity” shouldn’t give Temple Police officers the right to change the laws as they see fit.
As I got closer to the scene, and not before I managed to snap a few good shots, I received a not-so-warm welcome from an officer who told me to “Get the f— out of here,” and grabbed my arm to shove me in the other direction.
At a meeting with the University Disciplinary Council, the officer denied saying this.
Having been taught in my class that it is perfectly legal to take pictures in public, I was a little hesitant to leave the scene. This was a good opportunity, and I didn’t want to miss it because of a few sour cops.
But I did leave, aware of how people in positions of authority tend to function when someone doesn’t listen to them, even if what they are saying is blatantly wrong.
Once I decided I was at a safe distance away, about 60 feet, I used my telephoto lens to see if I could take a few more shots of the situation, then went back to join my friends on a bench.
Who knew how camera shy a few police officers could be?
Two officers, including the one who originally approached me, rode up to me on their bikes.
“You don’t like to listen, do you?” the other asked.
When I asked what it was I did that was illegal, he decided to strong arm me to my feet and get my ID himself.
The fact that he had picked me up and stuck his hands into my pockets bothered me, since I still hadn’t heard a real explanation for why I was being approached.
They told me I had interfered with a police investigation and that taking pictures is legal until the police say it’s not.
The truth is, I did not do anything illegal, and these officers knew that.
It was not the fact that I was taking pictures that bothered these officers in the end, it was the fact that I refused to accept their word without question, that I didn’t obey the authority figure at hand simply because he was the authority figure at hand.
I know cops are supposed to be here to keep us safe, which they thankfully do, but who’s protecting the kid with the camera?
Brian Romanelli can be reached at brianromanelli@temple.edu .
Brian, good for you. I went to Villanova with your dad (and had my share of run-ins with the police). Congrats on not taking shit from the Campus Keystones. Keep writing and exercising those constitutional rights. Check out my blog at the above website. Where can I read more of your stuff?
I had a similar situation while shooting some school police at a high school in West Philadelphia. I was on assignment for my internship and we already had a reporter on the story. The school wasn’t cooperating, so I knew I wasn’t allowed in the building. I could shoot outside as students were being let out and the police were monitoring. Immediately, the police approached me, even with my press credentials from the paper, and I was told to leave. I knew they had no right. I went across the street where it was clearly public and not school property and shot from there. I got yelled at and scowled at by the police and they swore I was going to make them lose their jobs. I wasn’t manhandled like you were, but I suppose because I’m a girl.
congrats for sticking to your guns and knowing your rights. keep up the good work, and I hope to see more of your work.
Brian – your article was articulate and to the point. I hear history repeating itself here, and eventually to change, which people with ultimate authority never want to give up. Keep on doing what you do: show the truth, obey the law, and write to tell others. You are a champion of many and an artist with an eye for social injustice. You will always have to weather the ignorant and scared – but do it anyway. Grandpa Chamberlain would have been proud!!! We are! Stay safe.
Temple University doesn’t have a right to suspend your rights. From what you said, you were unconstitutionally searched by a police officer, assaulted, and unjustly tried for an offense that does not exist. You should tell them that this IS coming off your record, or you will take it to a real court room.
I’m having a terrible time figuring out why you thought it would be such a good idea for a school project to bring out your camera when some dude whips out his junk.. Correct me if I’m wrong, but you were probably adding more fuel to the fire by enticing the man to ‘show-off’.. and now you’re just using your Temple News privileges to gain support.. Man, the things my tuition pays for.
Random question: I am starting my own ring blog to share your experiences. Do you believe it is hard or easy to create consistently?