The Jersey Journal reports that Anthony Hardy filed a complaint against Jersey City Police for violating the constitutionally protected right of photography in a public space. While we aren’t normally interested in police blotter stories, as a blog that bases much of the content on public photography, we find this form of police abuse especially offensive.

The American Civil Liberties Union explains rights of photographers:

Taking photographs of things that are plainly visible from public spaces is a constitutional right – and that includes federal buildings, transportation facilities, and police and other government officials carrying out their duties.”

In case you think the ACLU is just a liberal sock puppet, Popular Mechanics and the New York Times both report on recent incidents.

Photography is a constitutionally protected free speech right. We hope the officers involved in this incident are severely disciplined and the entirety of the JCPD educated on the issue of photography rights.