Photo by lempkin

Responding to numerous complaints by individuals and public advocacy groups, the NYPD has finally issued a department order reaffirming the rights of photographers and tourists to take photos in the city. The New York Post reports today:

“Photography and the videotaping of public places, buildings and structures are common activities within New York City . . . and is rarely unlawful,” the NYPD operations order begins.

It acknowledges that the city is a terrorist target, but since it’s a prominent “tourist destination, practically all such photography will have no connection to terrorism or unlawful conduct.”

The department directive — titled “Investigation of Individuals Engaged in Suspicious Photography and Video Surveillance” — makes it clear that cops cannot “demand to view photographs taken by a person . . . or direct them to delete or destroy images” in a camera.

This is a big step in the right direction. In a city with so many irresistible photo opportunities it’s a shame there are any impediments to capturing them.

Article via The New York Post