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 / Modified aug 23, 2022 2:55 p.m.

ACLU, news organizations sue over law limiting filming of police

The law makes it illegal to knowingly film police officers 8 feet or closer without an officer’s permission.
by Andrew Oxford

tucson police Police officers in downtown Tucson on June 24, 2022.
Gage Judd/AZPM

A controversial Arizona law restricting how the public can film police is facing its first legal challenge with a lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union.

The group’s Arizona chapter, joined by several Arizona news organizations, filed a petition Tuesday in federal court to stop the law. They say it violates First Amendment rights.

The law was enacted last month. It makes it illegal to knowingly film police officers 8 feet or closer without an officer’s permission.

Arizona lawmakers say legislation is needed so officers can do their job without disruption.

Bystander cellphone videos are largely credited with revealing police misconduct and reshaping the conversation around police transparency.

MORE: AP, Arizona, Legislature, Media, News
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