Although tensions seem to be alleviating a little between law enforcement agents and the public in Minnesota, many are still on edge and want to know what they can legally do in the event they find themselves involved in an incident with police. If you see a potential issue developing between two parties or an individual and police, are you allowed to record this interaction, or could you end up facing legal issues for filming without their consent? In today’s blog, we explain if it’s legal to record police in Minnesota.
Recording Police In Minnesota
In Minnesota, you are allowed to record an interaction between individuals or a person and law enforcement without getting consent from either party so long as the interaction is taking place in a public location where there is no expectation of privacy. You can’t follow an officer onto a person’s property and record what transpires, but you can record from a public location or somewhere you’re legally allowed to be, even if all involved would rather you not record. They may prefer you did not record, but if it’s taking place in public and you are not interfering with the scene, you are legally allowed to record an interaction in public.
We do want to make note of the caveat in the last sentence which references interfering with the scene. If the act of recording the scene interferes with the officer’s ability to conduct an investigation, it impacts first responders’ ability to provide aid, or increases the possibility of danger to others (parking in an unsafe location to record a traffic stop between two other parties), you could be cited or arrested. It’s a wise decision to remain at least 10-15 feet away from any interaction that is taking place, and never put yourself in a position where you are in danger or your presence creates a danger to others.
And remember, this recording law only exists in the public where there is no expectation of privacy. Some private businesses may ask you to stop filming while you are on their property, but you are freely allowed to record from a safe distance on the sidewalk or similar public locations.
If you believe you were unjustly arrested because you recorded an encounter in public, or you are facing charges for interfering with a police investigation, let the team at Appelman Law Firm be your guide. Let us help you navigate these complex waters and ensure your rights are upheld. You are allowed to record police in public, and if your rights are infringed while recording, let us help you get the justice you deserve.
For more information, or for help with a specific criminal matter, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.
