Critics of a new Louisiana law, which makes it a crime to approach within 25 feet (7.6 meters) of a police officer under certain circumstances, fear that the measure could hinder the public’s ability to film officers — a tool that has increasingly been used to hold police accountable.
Under the law, anyone who is convicted of “knowingly or intentionally” approaching an officer, who is “lawfully engaged in the execution of his official duties,” and after being ordered to “stop approaching or retreat” faces up to a $500 fine, up to 60 days in jail or both. The law was signed by Gov. Jeff Landry, a Republican, Tuesday and goes into effect Aug. 1.
While the legislation’s language does not specifically mention filming, critics say that by default it would limit how close a person can be to observe police. Opponents have also gone further to question the law’s constitutionality, saying it could impede on a person’s First Amendment rights.
Conservatives: acab? Who are you gonna call when you need help? A crackhead?
cops: it is illegal for you to approach me if I feel like it
crackhead: i’ll do anything for you for 50 bucks
I love the knowledge that if someone is breaking into my house, the cops will show up later to tell me nothing will be recovered and to hand me a piece of paper.
At least they’ll shoot your dog for free… whether you wanted them to or not.
Beautiful, wipes tear from eye it’s just as our forefathers imagined.
…O’er the la-and of the freeeeeee!
also cops: sometimes we will just come into your house and kill you even if you’re the victim, oopsie doopsie