WATCH: Cops on camera?
JOBURG – Is it a good idea to video tape or photograph SAPS or JMPD officers?
Videos depicting SAPS and JMPD officers have gone viral in recent months, which begs the question as to whether the recordings of these uniformed officers are legal.
The debate was sparked by the mass media hype of Clive Naidoo’s recording of a female JMPD officer during a road block on the corner of Bram Fischer Drive and Jan Smuts Avenue in Bordeaux, on 28 August.
JMPD Chief Superintendent Wayne Minnaar commented, “It is not illegal to take pictures or make videos but we do not want to encourage residents as it may aggravate the officers.”
A second incident happened in Westdene in January where a JMPD officer was recorded on CCTV allegedly accepting a bribe.
Linden SAPS spokesperson Constable Carol Malamu said, “Anybody is allowed to take pictures of anyone, as long as it does not interfere with the duties that the police officer is doing.” Honeydew SAPS spokesperson Warrant Officer Karen Jacobs agreed and added, “Community members must be very careful when recording crime scenes, if you do not know all of the circumstances it may put your personal safety at risk in regards to suspects.”
A video was taken on 18 August where two Douglasdale Police officers were seen allegedly attacking two men.
SAPS Gauteng spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Lungelo Dlamini commented, “There is nothing that may prevent the members of the public taking photographs of the [SAPS] members while on duty, but it would be good manners and proper to ask for the consent and inform the members why such photos are being taken.”
Lt Col Dlamini responded to the question whether police officers are allowed to confiscate any material or deny being photographed, “Police may lawfully seize any material only for the purpose of evidence in a court of law.”
Details: JMPD Internal Affairs Unit 011 490 1703 or Independent Police Investigative Directorate (IPID) complaints.Gauteng@ipid.gov.za or 011 220 1500.
What are your thoughts on recording police or JMPD officers?
Have you ever captured an officer on video or a camera?
Should every person own a dash camera?
