Citizens have the constitutional right to record government activities in public spaces, and law enforcement officers who attempt to stop this lawful activity without proper legal justification may face serious consequences including termination, lawsuits, and disciplinary action. This right is protected under the First Amendment and applies regardless of whether the recording takes place on government property or private property adjacent to public areas.
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When DUMB Cops RUIN Their Careers In SecondsAdded:
You're scaring me, sir.
>> I'm scaring you.
>> Yes.
>> Really?
>> Yes.
>> You're not allowed to do what you're doing, ma'am.
>> Yes, I am.
>> Throw it out the window or just throw it in the cars. Like, I don't care. And I just tag and TAG HIM.
>> PUT YOUR HAND BEHIND YOUR BACK.
>> From getting completely schooled by auditors who know the law better than they do to being humbled by citizens who refuse to back down. These are the moments clueless cops made mistakes that ended their careers.
>> I don't feel comfort. I'm not trying to I'm trying to stay away from you >> cuz because you're scaring me now.
You're scaring me now.
>> On May 6th, 2024, veteran auditor Jersey Style was peacefully filming outside the Montgomery County government facility while exercising her First Amendment rights until a security guard decided to intervene.
>> Good morning.
>> Can I ask what we're doing?
>> You could ask. It doesn't necessarily mean I'm going to answer. Well, you're on government property, so I do require an answer.
>> I don't have to. I decline to answer.
Respectfully, decline to answer.
>> Okay. Well, you have to have permission to film here. This is county government property.
>> Do you know what the First Amendment is?
>> You know what, ma'am? You're on county government property. You have to obtain permission to >> No, I don't.
>> We'll just have you removed. It's that simple.
>> I'm here I'm here on official business anyway. And what is that? What is your official?
>> It's none of your business. None of >> my business. Okay.
>> What's your name? Just stay stay away from me. I'm just >> You don't have to go this way.
>> You're right. We don't have to. I'm not breaking any laws.
>> Yeah, you are.
>> No, I'm not.
>> We'll just have you press back. You can't do that here. They have rules.
>> We have first amendment, >> ma'am.
>> Rules don't trump the Constitution, sir.
>> The guard aggressively attempted to intimidate and pressure the auditor.
unaware that his own conduct was about to create serious problems for him instead.
>> Stay away from me.
>> I can go wherever I like, man.
>> Rules.
>> I'm not violating rules.
>> I'm staying away from you. That's what I'm doing.
>> How about walk off?
>> No.
>> Stay away from me, sir.
>> I can walk wherever I want to walk.
>> Stay away from me, sir.
>> Stay away from me.
>> Stay away from me. I fear for my safety at this point.
>> You just need to get out of here.
>> I don't feel comfortable around you. I I don't >> You're not going to the library, man.
>> I don't feel com I'm not trying to I'm trying to stay away from you.
>> Well, then >> cuz because you're scaring me now.
You're scaring me now. You're scaring me, sir.
>> I'm scaring you.
>> Yes.
>> Really?
>> Yes.
>> You're not allowed to do what you're doing, ma'am.
>> Yes, I am. Government, county, property.
>> It's public property.
>> Public?
>> Yes, it is.
>> It's a government property.
>> Government property is public property.
>> No, it's not both.
>> You have a first name.
>> Not both.
>> It is not both.
>> Cuz I have official business on this property.
>> You want what?
>> It's none. It's none of your business.
>> It is my business. I'm the security officer here.
>> I'm not posing a security risk.
>> That's your opinion. My filming without permission. You are. It's a first amendment protected activity.
>> It's It's government. It's a first amendment.
>> When the police get here, >> hopefully they know the law.
>> Oh my god.
>> I'm just trying to stay away from you.
>> Well, I'm going to stand in front of you. You're not going all the way. I can't film me. You're not allowed to do that.
>> Well, I'm walking all around, so it it's not going to >> I'm going to follow you whether you like. The officer's misunderstanding of the law became increasingly concerning as he continued confronting the woman, leaving her visibly uncomfortable and worried about the situation escalating further.
>> That's okay, but this total impeding my personal space.
>> 6 ft.
>> You're the one in violation.
>> I'm not in violation. Sir, >> I'm not in violation of law. You >> certainly are.
>> I'm not in violation of law. I'm not in violation of law.
>> Just stay away from me. I don't have to do that.
>> You're funny. You going to run now?
>> No, cuz I'm staying away from you.
>> Stay away from me. That's fine. At least I'll be here short.
>> So, mean you're just going around filming?
>> Yeah.
>> Um, >> I'm a citizen to do journalist. This is what I do with government officials and I'm here on official business. I want to check into the tax maps, stuff like that. And I did film by the DMV because that's something new. I never seen that before. So that's what I was doing.
Not breaking any law, sir. And I'm not giving you my ID either, okay?
>> Cuz Tennessee is not I'm not is not a stop ID state. Okay?
>> Unless Unless you're being unless I'm being arrested for something, >> dude. I don't care. I The rules here I enforce. I want her to talk. She's not allowed to film. That's not up for debate. Period. I mean, do I have to call, you know, Barrett Golden or something?
>> I mean, >> this is county. I don't care what your lieutenant said. He doesn't know the rules here either.
>> Okay. She's not allowed to film without written consent from Mark, who is the facilities manager. If I ask her what she's doing, I expect an answer. Not.
It's none of your business. I'll do whatever I want.
>> Fortunately, a sheriff's deputy soon arrived and quickly recognized what was actually happening, leaving the security guard embarrassed and frustrated. When I ask her what she's doing and she refuses to tell me, she's leaving property.
That's all there is to it.
>> I mean, is not >> Sir, you're not getting it. This is county government. Do you know what the rules are here at the county government um facility here? Do you know what they are >> anywhere open?
>> Sir, I'm asking. Please, you know what they are?
>> Do you know what the rules here are?
>> I do. I do. That's my job. I'm telling you, she's not allowed to do what she's doing. I want her off property. Peering is real simple. She's not allowed to do what she's doing.
>> And after giving me the hard time, I want her off the property. I got other things to tend to.
>> I mean, the clerk, >> you most certainly are allowed to escort her off property. Yes, sir. I've had it done many times. So, please don't tell me you can't do that.
>> That's incorrect.
>> But she's not doing anything.
>> Oh my goodness. We're going to go over this again. Yes, she is. She is violating the rules here at county government property. You're not. She's not allowed to do what she's doing.
>> After being corrected in front of everyone, the guard struggled to maintain control of the situation. But the encounter was only becoming more chaotic.
>> On property, it's a different set of rules.
>> What I'm saying is she needs >> She is You don't get it.
>> You just don't get it, dude. You work for the county, you still don't get it.
She's not allowed to do what she's doing on county government property. Either escort her off or please give me your name and badge number so I can take it higher. I'm sick to death of not being backed up here. Okay. I'm trying to do the job they tell me to do and you guys are cutting me off at the knees. Was not allowed to do what she's doing. He's not allowed to film me without my express permission and I don't give it. He should go. Period.
>> See, this is what I mean to do that.
>> All right. So, you need to get a handle on this >> now. Now, do you understand why I'm asking for escort? Cuz he's he stated he's willing to put hands on me.
>> Allowed to go in there. The county clerk is who called me and take care of this.
>> Right. So, you're going to say that, you know, that she has no authority on it?
>> Well, I mean, if if >> you're an elected official and you're telling me she has no authority to let me do my job.
>> If the county clerk didn't want you in there, they have the right to ask you.
>> Yeah, but I'm doing a I'm doing a records request and that's like under as >> I don't know a whole lot about that and I don't know where you would do it. Um, like >> she is like the consortium of records.
>> She very well could be. I like I say, I don't know a lot about that.
>> So, she's the person to do it with.
>> Maybe I'm not getting my point across clearly. So, I don't >> You have no point, my friend. I'm sorry.
I don't mean to talk like that, but I have the point here.
>> But if if she asks you to leave, you do have to leave.
>> I'm going.
>> But I'm going to file a complaint. I'm going to file a complaint against you.
Lawsuits involved, possible lawsuits.
I'm here to do a a simple public records request.
>> You got to go through the process.
Ma'am, you have to get permission from our facility.
>> I don't need I don't need permission to you to exercise my first amendment right >> facilities manager.
>> I don't need to do that.
>> See, >> so let my supervisor get here.
>> Yeah, that's >> he'll explain that cuz maybe I'm missing something. Maybe I'm not >> You're missing the point. You're missing the point. You need to be period.
Now, if you want to go and get permission to do what you're doing, I have no problem with that, ma'am. You just >> I don't need permission, sir. My name is Jen. I want to introduce myself. I'm a friendly.
>> Nice to meet you. I'm a friendly person.
I'm just here to do a public records request under the Tennessee statute. I want to inquire about their policies and stuff. That's it. And I did film on the side of the DMV because that's something new that I never saw. So it's like but I never went inside. I stayed outside. Um I'm just exercising my first amen right as a citizen video journal. Yeah. I'm not breaking any laws. Like I don't know what's this. I don't know what his security I don't know what his deal is.
>> Once the supervisor arrived, the situation began falling apart for the security guard as his actions were placed under closer scrutiny. I'm not causing a disturbance.
>> She was outside the whole time, >> but I guess one of them might have >> Hey, and now he's not looking to let her >> uh polite >> explain to him like, hey, she can go in, she can film.
>> What? Hey, I just watch your um No, you're good. Um, you're not doing anything wrong as long.
>> Yeah, that's why like inquire about the public records.
>> Absolutely. Absolutely. No. Um, as long as you're not accessing restricted areas or anything.
>> Correct.
>> Yeah.
>> No, you're good. Um, I just got to >> I'm going to have to talk to him. Yeah.
>> How's it going, man? You doing okay?
>> You doing good?
>> Do you know where the clerk's office is?
So, I could go straight there.
>> So, the clerk's office is right here.
>> Okay.
Like I said, I don't know anything about the process to uh do a public information.
>> I'm just afraid that he's going to put hands on me when I >> You're not going to do that.
>> Okay.
>> No, you're Yeah, you're fine.
>> Following the incident, the auditor filed a formal complaint, and Montgomery County later terminated the security guard, proving his claims of authority could not protect him from accountability. This next encounter shows how quickly a routine interaction can spiral when officers misunderstand the rights of people recording in public.
>> What I'm hearing though is a lot of feelings. Feelings. Feelings. Feelings.
Feelings. I don't control people's feelings.
>> On August 30th, 2024, a First Amendment auditor was peacefully filming outside Jolly Pumpkin when officers suddenly approached him, turning a simple recording into a tense confrontation.
>> Hey, what's up?
>> Good. Yourself?
>> Good. So, we just got a call um from Jelly Pumpkin here saying they don't want you to videotape in this area right now.
>> Okay.
>> Okay. Do you have ID on you?
>> Am I committing a crime?
>> So, you just they just want you to be moved along from the from the premises.
>> Okay.
>> Um have you been trespassing?
>> No. No.
>> I'm not even on their property.
>> This is Jelly Pumpkin's property right here.
>> The public sidewalk is their property.
>> I mean, they clearly roped off what they're using.
>> This is for seating right here. You mind if I see your ID? Have I done something wrong?
>> So, they just want you moved along. So, we don't know if it's up to go there and ask the person if they want you trespassing on the property. I'm not trying to make it hard for you.
>> I'm not trying to either. I just really believe that I'm on public property, not their property. Um, and therefore, I'm not committing a crime. I'm not doing anything wrong. I'm taking pictures in public, which is a first amendment right.
>> Um, therefore, it shouldn't be ID. I shouldn't be trespassed. I shouldn't be anything. I don't.
>> This is where I'm at. I mean, >> yeah, I understand. Ultimately, they just don't want you on their property anymore cuz it can kind of make other people feel uncomfortable in the area.
It's making >> um to stop the trespass.
>> I'll move down to the end of the their barrel.
>> I was just walking over taking pictures until one of their customers called me back >> and a couple other things and then I saved. Despite having a degree in criminal justice, the officer appeared confused about the laws surrounding public filming and constitutional protections.
>> So therefore, we have the right to ID.
>> I have a right to leave then, right?
>> No, you are now being detained because you are going to be trespassed and need to identify you before you're trespassed. In order to write you your trespass to the last, man.
>> All right.
>> So, you're going to trespass me from this sidewalk?
>> What's that? No, you're trespassing this establishment, >> but I'm not in the establishment.
>> They have the right to trespass you.
>> I've never been on their property.
>> They have the right to trespass you. The sidewalk is public.
>> So, I can stay here trespassing me from walking outside. Okay.
>> I don't know why you would want to do that because they're frustrated with you.
>> I don't know why they would trespass on their property without even being on their property. If they would like you trespass, you're a trespass.
>> If the fieldhouse across the street calls you and says they want me trespass because I'm on a sidewalk, you're going to do it.
>> So anybody I highly doubt that >> trust anybody off of the sidewalk.
>> I highly doubt the fieldhouse would call and have you trespass just because you're standing on a sidewalk.
>> Felt the same way about the Jolly Pumpkin.
>> The auditor remained on public property and committed no crime. Yet the officer continued treating the lawful activity as suspicious behavior.
>> Uh he's I didn't ask them. I can go in there and ask them. He's claiming that he didn't never entered Jolly Pumpkin.
But I mean, regardless, it's private property. If they don't want him, and it's just it's not trespassing from being on the sidewalk. Uh, don't print it yet. I'm going to go and talk to them inside and see if he ever entered in.
Um, and then I'm going to talk to them and try to just so there's not issues between them cuz he could sue them if they tell us that they want him trespassed, but they he never actually entered. Like he Ste said it's like a gray line. like current but it's but I'll be right back here.
>> Even after speaking with supervisors, the officer continued pursuing the issue and began questioning the manager about the auditor's presence.
>> So, what has he been doing the whole time? Cuz he came inside as he came up to the door.
>> No, he's recording all of my guests and putting like menaces and he will not stop recording them. He told him to stop that he will not stop. Told me he's doing an investigation but couldn't tell me anything about anything. He will not stop. I said, "Okay, I'm going to call the police on. Do you think the police will stop me?" I said, "I guess I'll put it out."
>> Okay. It's kind of a gray line because he's right in front of your establishment, but he never entered it, but the sidewalk is public property. I'm going to have another chat with my sergeant and see. I am kind of also trying to mediate between you and between him and trying to find like if he can just move a block down so that he's done bothering you and then he doesn't have to be trespassed. That would be >> He simply told me he would not stop the burn. So he's not going to stop the burden. Oh my goodness. I'm never comfortable and that's not good for my business. Obviously my >> How am I being trespassed off a property I never stepped foot on.
>> That's what they told me and that's what they used to get my ID from me.
>> Oh, we're not going to >> It was just getting my ID. I told >> we're not a stop and ID state. I was breaking no law. They told me I had to.
>> We're not We're not trespassing.
>> No, but you broke my Fourth Amendment rights. I thought you were on property.
>> No, they didn't. We we >> and I told them and during the investigation, I clearly stated where I was.
>> I even walk down there.
>> The interaction raised concerns about officers treating personal discomfort as justification for limiting lawful constitutional activity.
>> Private establishment and trespass.
Correct.
>> If I'm on their property and private >> if I'm on their property. Correct.
>> And I was never on their property.
>> Your cops used a trespass warning threat to get my ID from me. Now they got it.
Everything's fine now, right?
>> It's all day today. Nobody wants to let anyone talk.
>> What happened if I didn't?
>> What happened if I refused to get my ID to your office?
>> Commit a crime. They'd have to determine if you commit a crime.
>> They told me I did. They told me I was being trespassed and they needed my ID to trespass me. Can we find a way to mediate this where there's not issues between you and Johnny?
>> Well, right now my issue is with you guys forcing me to give me give you my ID.
>> Okay. I am investigating a possible trespass. Okay. I have reasonable suspicion to ID you because a crime >> you have reasonable to talk to everybody to determine if you were inside or >> and he did go in and talk. Did they lie?
>> Did they lie to you? No, you went inside before you took my ID. You went inside to talk to them.
>> I said, "Would you like him trespass from your property?" They said, "Yes."
So then I came outside.
>> Are you willing to have a conversation with me or no?
>> You just said you went inside to find out if I went on their property, but you went inside and said, "Do you want calling us giving us the reason to make contact with you?" Correct.
>> No, I can call the cops on that.
>> Yeah, we can get Yeah, we can talk and investigate it.
>> Why would you? I mean, what are they doing wrong? I can see from here. What are you doing? All they're doing is they call us for trust.
>> Well, what are you doing wrong?
>> That's what they call.
>> The auditor stood firmly on his rights while the officer's uncertainty about the law only caused the situation to escalate further.
>> He's right up front here. He's on the other side.
>> He's not a crime.
>> I know. Um but he's reflecting.
>> So those are things you need to tell us that that's >> I called the person on the phone. I told them.
>> Okay. They didn't tell us that.
>> Okay. And yes, he would not suffer for them. They had >> So you as a manager is saying that he's harassing the gas and they left physically observed him in their face each other or something. If you want to arrest me for being on public property and then you can appease their feelings, make them feel better.
>> That's not my goal. That's not my >> That's not my goal either.
>> Okay. So that's why I'm asking, can we can we can we be adults about this? And can we mediate to where they're happy and you're not recording their customers and you just move down the block down to that tree and you record the sidewalk, whatever else from over in there. I >> I'm not going to coddle the feelings. I was never on their property.
>> Silence is usually taken as a no.
>> Anyway, what do you want to do here?
>> I told you what I want to do. I would like to mediate the situation between you and Jolly Pumpkins.
>> Well, earlier I offered to move down off of the sidewalk in front of their property.
>> I do not recall that.
>> Well, do you >> I offered to move down there, but you were consent with the uh >> I I don't know if I was inside. I I do not recall that. I apologize for not recalling that. Can we do that now?
>> No, you forced my ID, man. Now I'm here.
>> Yes. And I I had every force I >> did. Did you have a suspicion that I committed a crime? Yes. What was the call? That guy on the camera taking pictures of their customers.
>> That does not say that property. You went in trespass. You came out. You got the question.
>> You guys are ID hungry.
>> Critics argued that the officer's reasoning suggested police could intervene anytime someone felt uncomfortable, even when no law had been violated. Have they been educated, Sergeant?
>> Uh, about the you being allowed to film publicly, but guests have left because they felt uncomfortable with you getting their face. They even cover up their faces, I was told. So, now we're looking at harassment, too, sir.
>> The camera is not harassing. I didn't talk to them, >> but that's what the manager. So, that's what she said. They lost guests because they felt harassed by >> based off a holiday steel, not based off. If they feel harassed, so that is a crime as well. based off of law.
The law is if they feel harass right now with you than I was then cuz I wasn't even talking to them.
>> You just said a reasonable person and you're a reasonable person.
>> I feel that they maybe they were unreasonable in their expectations and that's and that's where you can >> they could have sat inside but but they but they didn't want to. They covered their faces. I was told by the manager and they left because they're not happy with that. They said they asked you to stop and there was a little disagreement between you and the guests.
>> Nope.
>> That's what I was told.
>> I didn't say what?
>> That's what I was told. So they said they covered their faces and then they left cuz they don't want to be killed.
Anybody can feel a certain way. You can feel a certain way. They can feel a certain way. And people have the right to feel that way. If they feel a certain way, they feel harassed by you. They can feel that way. Correct.
>> But what I'm hearing though is a lot of feelings. Feelings. Feelings. That's their feelings. I control people's feelings. All right.
>> So, we can ask them, but they left. It'd be really nice to ask them, but they left, bro. So, any other questions for us?
>> Are you done harassing me and telling me that I have to leave? I I never told you that you had to leave. I told you you could stay right there.
>> Okay. You wanted to become an admirable situation where they were happy and I was happy.
>> Correct. I did do that. You are correct.
I did do that. And I asked you, >> you are right. I did do that. I never ordered you to leave. They didn't either. They could have said, "That's their business. That's people that want to see.
>> You're in public. Um, I'm sorry. Would you like to move inside? I I create your own privacy."
>> Rather than backing down, the auditor calmly explained constitutional rights and demonstrated how these encounters should properly be handled.
>> If you don't want to be filmed in public or seen in public, maybe you shouldn't sit outside. People to sit there and ask me to not film them and not be upset by Can they be upset?
Can they? Sure. Sure. Can they call the cops and threaten a trespass?
>> You know, men with guns came because of a guy with camera.
>> Breaking news.
>> Three. Three.
>> I'm the supervisor. You know what's going to >> I appreciate you showing up because I don't trust these two.
>> Not everyone is always educated around here as well when they're calling the police. So, we try to do that. And that's part of what this is education.
They didn't want to talk to me about it though. They wanted to talk to you about it.
I don't want to talk to anyone walking by.
>> I don't even want you to show up. Tell him on tell dispatch he's a guy with a camera. I talked to him already.
>> Allowed to be here too early.
>> Nope.
>> Right before this I got called a guy allowed to be here and beard whoever was here white shirt white male white shirt.
So, you know how people are. They don't they don't have all the facts. We go figure it out.
>> But it does seem like your officer there uh solicit a trespass without an investigation.
>> And and that's your opinion and your very >> When did you never property? Send me that and we can talk. Okay. I work some days.
>> All right. Thank you, sir.
>> Thank you.
Jail was one man. The officers attempted to justify a trespassing claim and challenged both First and Fourth Amendment protections, but their efforts ultimately failed as the auditor remained informed and composed throughout the encounter. What started as peaceful filming inside a public building quickly turned into another example of officials treating cameras like criminal activity.
>> You want me to smile?
>> Yeah, >> please.
>> No problem.
>> I just wonder what you're doing. I don't get it.
>> Oh. Starting things off, Shawn Paul Reyes from Long Island Audit was calmly filming at the Harrison County Government Center until employees suddenly began reacting as if he was committing a crime.
>> Hello.
>> Hi. How are you?
>> Good. Can I help you?
>> Um, no, I just taking some pictures and video. Thank you. I'm okay.
>> For what reason?
>> I'm sorry.
>> Oh, are you with the company or?
>> Um, no. I'm just with myself.
>> Yeah.
>> You're taking a video?
>> Yes, ma'am.
>> Okay.
for the office for personal reason.
>> Can we ask what you use it for?
>> I'm sorry.
>> Can we ask why I mean why you like to have a video in the office?
>> Oh, I just take pictures in in public places.
>> Okay, >> that's all. Thank you. You want me to smile?
>> Yeah, please.
>> No problem.
>> I just wonder what you're doing. I don't get it.
>> Oh, >> I You could have asked me, right?
>> Okay, I'm asking you.
Yeah, I told him I'm just taking pictures and video of the building.
That's all.
>> Just the building. Why are you in our offices then?
>> That's part of the building.
>> Yeah, but >> I'm not in I'm not like going behind the counter or anything like that.
>> But I don't want You're just doing it because you like to take pictures of the building or >> Yeah, exactly. I just want to take pictures or something.
>> Well, I I do own a company. Yeah.
>> Mhm.
>> Is it this what this has to do with?
>> Yeah. Mhm. You guys all work here?
That's nice.
>> Kind of creeping us out to be honest.
>> I'm sorry.
>> Yeah, it bothered me. kind of start.
>> Well, there's cameras all over this building. Do Do those creep you out?
>> No, we don't want to come in at the end.
They can watch us all day long.
>> Everyone's watching those.
>> No, you actually don't cuz those are public records. So, you can anybody can request that footage and watch you work all day. That would be really creepy, right? Without you even knowing it. I'm I'm here. I announced myself. And >> what's your name?
>> Oh, it's I don't want to give any private information >> so I can video you.
>> You just She took a picture of me already, but you can get one, too. The staff clearly disliked Shawn standing firm on his rights. And instead of continuing their work, they repeatedly questioned him and escalated the tension inside the building.
>> Can I get your name?
>> No.
>> See, you're the you're the public servant here and you're not giving me your name, right? But a private citizen, you want me to give you your give you mine.
>> Well, when you're here taking pictures of me.
>> I mean, you came out to the camera. I didn't I wasn't just taking pictures of you.
>> This is my office and took you took pictures. You went all the way around like this.
>> Yeah. Of the office. Not you in particular. I wasn't trying to grab anybody in particular, but when you guys come up to the camera now, you are all on camera, I guess, right?
>> Yeah. Which that's fine. I think like I don't >> I don't mind being on camera.
>> How's it going?
>> Hey, how are you?
>> I'm doing all right. What's going on today?
>> Uh, nothing much. Can I get your name badge number, please?
>> Bartle 103.
>> Thank you, sir.
>> So, what's going on?
>> Nothing. Just having a conversation with these ladies over here.
>> Okay.
>> Yeah, he came in. I came out the hallway to try to find out what his name was.
came in and was and asked him, you know, could I help him? And he said, "No, he was just, you know, videoing."
>> You have your ID with you, sir.
>> My ID?
>> Oh, why would you need that?
>> You asked for >> Oh, yeah. But you're the public servants. I'm not. I'm I'm just a private citizen just coming through a public building.
>> I haven't broken any laws.
>> Ind I'm very familiar with the Indiana uh stop and ID statute. You know, if if you uh suspected me of committing some sort of crime or anything, I would identify myself to you.
>> That's why we're here. We're doing investigation.
>> That's fine.
>> Got multiple calls on >> a man with a camera.
>> Employees became so uncomfortable with the camera that they called police and once officers arrived, they immediately demanded identification despite no crime being reported.
>> So, you understand why they may have some concerns?
>> Well, yeah. I I don't think they have concerns enough to call law enforcement, but you know, if they wanted to talk to me, I told them I'm just here taking pictures and video. That's all. Nothing nefarious going on here. That's all.
>> You doing a documentary or something or >> Oh, yeah. I'm working on a story.
>> Mhm.
>> For myself.
>> For yourself?
>> Yeah, for myself. I work for myself.
>> What do you do?
>> I'm an independent journalist.
>> For your story, but get busy cuz there's three or four more coming.
>> Really? Wow. Why? For a man with a camera. Well, when you have stuff happen sometimes, sometimes you get a guy dressed all in black.
>> Yeah.
>> And you're not you're not a little dude, are you?
>> I'm not a little dude.
>> I am not.
>> That that can cause especially a bunch of females in here in the offices that can cause a problem. That could cause some angst. You do that. That sound fair statement?
>> I mean, yeah. I mean, I think they should just be able to talk. We can talk. I mean, I'm not I'm not trying to hide my identity. They wanted to take pictures of me and I and I and I smiled.
>> Anybody familiar familiar with you here?
>> No. Why would they be? No. This is a tight tight-knit community. So, somebody they don't know shows up, especially >> I mean, you know, think about that for a minute.
>> Yeah.
>> Dressed all in black.
>> Dressed in black in the middle of the day.
>> Yeah.
>> In the middle of the daytime around where I'm around cameras.
>> Not hiding my not hiding my face in any way.
>> Have you guys had any uh issues here with anybody coming in here and filming and doing something nefarious? No.
>> Not today that I know of.
>> Oh, well, I'm not doing anything nefarious, but I am I am filming. I am sorry.
>> We get here, right?
>> The situation became increasingly unreasonable as officers appeared more focused on Shawn's appearance than any actual unlawful behavior. Multiple public employees interrupted their work simply because someone was peacefully recording in public. Once Shawn explained the law, the officers eventually backed away without further action. Some cops think their age and experience make them untouchable. But watch how justice catches up in the most SHOCKING WAY.
>> PUT YOUR HAND BEHIND YOUR BACK.
>> GET YOUR ARM OUT. GET YOUR ARM OUT. Put your hand.
>> On February 18th, 2017, former WSU football player Trean Broton tried to pay for his items with cash. But the moment the cashier looked at the bills, something felt off. What happened next turned a simple checkout into a tense and unexpected confrontation.
>> They caught focus on me, bro.
>> I'm trying to make sure my girl card here.
>> Good.
>> Relax, guys. I didn't touch nobody. Hey, you see a car here?
>> You see a card? I left a card here.
office my girl pay for it. I'm not saying that you use the back 22. So, >> yeah. Yeah. I mean, >> you got ID with you, partner.
>> Yeah, I got I mean, I got ID. It's probably somewhere around here, but >> I need to see it.
>> You can I don't want to get arrested.
>> Put your hands behind your back.
>> Showing you behind. I need >> I don't care, bro. You guys >> put your hands behind your back.
>> No, I'm trying. You should show me your ID.
>> Put your hands behind. I don't care about your ID right now.
>> For what? My ID.
>> Relax.
>> Relax. PUT YOUR HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK.
>> RELAX.
>> PUT YOUR HAND BEHIND YOUR BACK.
>> PUT YOUR HAND BEHIND YOUR BACK.
>> Put your hand behind your back.
>> You're under.
>> Get down. Get down. For >> what?
PUT YOUR HAND BEHIND YOUR BACK.
>> Put your HANDS BEHIND YOUR BACK.
>> GET YOUR ARM OUT. GET YOUR ARM OUT.
>> Put your hands BEHIND YOUR BACK.
>> PUT YOUR HAND BEHIND YOUR BACK.
>> DO IT NOW. HERE AGAIN.
>> WHAT?
>> PUT YOUR HANDS.
>> YOU'RE UNDER ARREST FOR USING A FAKE 20.
>> I'M STRETCHING. BEND your leg.
>> Now you're underrest.
>> Broton gave a fake dollar bill to the cashier. Later, a store employee called 911, but then quickly told the dispatcher there was no need for officers anymore. Yet, just 2 minutes later, officer Shane Emerson arrived at the scene, setting the stage for a tense encounter.
>> WHERE'S THE 20?
>> WHERE'S THE 20?
>> I DON'T KNOW. HE HE he just like tried to like, you know, he he tried to buy it and then he just like >> How did you tell it was the 20?
>> What?
>> How'd you tell it's fake?
>> The color of that.
>> Where is it?
>> Okay, I'll be back to talk to you guys.
>> Gordon tased Broton, pinning him straight to the ground. And within seconds, another officer grabbed his legs as they forced him into handcuffs just because he handed over a fake bill.
Whatever. I don't want to hear.
>> If you resist again, >> I don't want to hear you again.
>> I don't want to hear anything.
>> Do you understand?
>> Do you understand?
>> What else did he try to purchase this stuff?
>> He only walked out and then like that that like I wasn't there because >> they pulled.
>> Are you guys with tried to interact with me and then he >> How so? I I don't I don't think he was trying to find me. I think he >> No, that's not like he left and came back.
>> Yeah, that's what happened. We tried to buy beer and he came back and he was like, >> but I don't I didn't pay any bill or anything like that, but I think >> Yeah, he should be in locals.
>> Right after the arrest, officer Emerson talked to a group of WSU students, including football players who were already questioning why Brotton was taken in. from the beginning real quick.
Uh what happened exactly?
>> Okay. So you first Okay. I came in here.
I was going to buy a 40 my was going to buy this and um I came in here. She was in front of me and then happened. So what happened was somebody somebody made fun of how low your pants were and they they were really low and I was like you can probably pull your pants up and but but what I said was that you know I can see you all pull your pants up and then he was like you want to go you know older for family and then I guess he was already kind of provoked me more >> but he tried to provoke me more but we just ignored him because I didn't want to do him anymore and then you guys literally came so but They are very >> I'm sorry. I'm with this side. That's actually not how I am. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. That's okay.
>> I'm with this side.
>> Will you guys uh >> It just seems like this.
>> Can you text me your phone numbers?
>> Yes, of course.
>> Awesome.
>> I'm with this side. That's actually what happened.
>> Or the cell.
>> Okay.
>> Awesome. Thank you, folks.
>> Excuse me, James. What's up, man? How are you? I went to detain him. They said he used a fake 20 in there and he fought me. He would not let me detain him.
>> Yeah. This is all secured. I'm the only one, you know, so I'm going to go down there with them.
>> Officers claimed Broton looked intoxicated and as a member of the football team, they said he showed unusual strength.
>> So they told me he tried to use a 20 fake 20 in there. All right. So I needed to detain him. Said, "I need to see your ID." He said, "I'm not giving you I'm not working with you." At that point, I went to put him in handcuffs because usually when I'm dealing with somebody like that, I'm not even going to mess with it, right? Then he starts pulling away and trying to run. So I we're trying to get him on the ground and he was fighting. He's strong as man. I'm not strong as Tan, right? So that's why that went the way it did. I had enough reasons to detain him and he was completely fine. I'm still investigating it right now. He's just under he's just under arrest for obstruction.
He'll have it stay in court to prove his side and we'll just give our report to you. Okay? I promise you I don't want >> right there like why got like he already got on cuffs. I put the cuffs on and I could fit my finger in between.
>> They weren't they weren't >> They're not as tight as I could put them. I promise you that.
>> I say threw the man on the ground >> because he was fighting you in the cuff too tight. Y >> I don't know what happened out there.
I'm telling you what happened on the ground and jump on his back.
>> All right. I don't know about that. I didn't see that part. All I did was put him in cuffs when he was in here inside Bobs cuz he was fighting with me. All right. And I understand sometimes people are like, "No, this cop doesn't have the reason to put me in cuss." So when a cop tells you you got to do something, you got to do it, right? And you can call down there, find out what's going on later. I'd give it a few hours at least.
All right.
>> All right. Help.
>> Thank you.
>> As officers went outside, several football players also confronted them, adding even more tension to the scene.
>> Uh well, we were dealing with in here with one of the uh cats from the football team. They told me he was using a fake 20, so I went to detain. Fake ID?
>> No. Fake $20 bill.
>> Oh, wow. Counterfeiting.
>> So, he was fighting me. So, he got put in cuffs and >> he like you.
>> No, like I do. I ain't putting you in letting you.
>> So, potential counterfeiting. Potential ass officer.
>> Yeah.
>> I'm in the hallway.
>> Wow.
>> All right. F.
>> Yeah. I just need to talk to the staff in here real quick.
>> I promise you that's not the way I like things to go, right? But when a cop tells you you got to put in cuffs or you got to ID yourself, you got to do your that's not the time to fight it.
>> It's almost ridiculous to say that the officer went to investigate after using needless and excessive force on Brotten.
>> All right. So I see like um he walking here, he tried to buy his stuff right here >> and then it's all good. He used the card or I don't know money and then um I I I don't remember but um if you want to see we have videos and stuff. Yeah. Yeah.
>> And then he >> I'm busy. I don't got time tonight. I promise you. Had a construction already.
>> Okay. And then >> And then like he walk out and then and then like I don't know. He like tried to talk with this guy.
>> No, no, no. I'm I'm learning from my strength. I have to buy beer and go back. Sorry.
>> I'm learning from my strength.
>> Yeah. And then like he like try to like Okay. Try to like start a fight with like people in the store. Sure. So like they try to start a fight and then there's a truck come at at me and then cut on the line and then try to buy um lighter and then he use the fake 20 and then I see like 20 there are like different colors. So I was like okay I didn't not like use a marker or anything. I was like okay so fake like I don't have to even use the color. So here it is. And then you came and then you see everything.
>> That's pretty much it.
>> All right. Can I talk to Colin while you >> We're coming down in just a second. Give us >> Hey, you guys.
>> You had a fake 20. Obviously fake.
>> Obviously. It was obvious.
>> What was it that stuck out with you that >> the biggest one was a face? It was like a green face on the 20 and it was like Yeah, it was obviously.
>> So, did he just snatch it back or what?
>> He was like trying to trying to take it.
Then he ended up like giving up cuz after I came up cuz Moon Boon was like, "No, we can't take him. We can't take."
I was like, "Look, not take that 20."
Then he ended up just leaving. Go check check the ATM like you trying to ATM.
The probability you just got from the ATM is very low and he was just trying to say that to say hello kind of big.
>> Broton was hit with charges of obstructing law enforcement and resisting arrest. Broton filed a federal lawsuit against the police claiming officers used excessive force, violated his rights, and misrepresented events to justify charges that were later dropped.
He was accused of trying to spend a counterfeit $20 bill, but no charges were ever filed and no fake money was found. This next officer completely lost sight of his role, but the auditor quickly reminded him where the legal boundaries actually stood.
>> You have a badge number, Vic.
>> I don't have a bad name.
>> Vic, you're kind of close to my personal space. Can you back up a little bit?
>> What are you up to?
>> You're kind of close to my personal space.
>> In May 2025, First Amendment Auditor Nick was peacefully filming at Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport when a routine recording suddenly turned into a confrontation.
>> What's your name?
>> No.
What law is that? Big Nick South Florida accountability. I'm at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport at the US Customs and Border Protection here. 5 seconds and made contact being told that I can't record in public. Wow. Come over here. I'm doing a story. You can come over here.
>> Right this way. Here.
>> What can I do for you today?
>> I didn't ask for help.
>> No, I know you didn't.
>> You are >> saying what can I do for you today?
>> You are.
>> No, you see my What? What are you doing with my car?
>> You are >> What are you doing with my car?
>> Who are you?
>> Identify yourself. If you're making contact with me, are you a government agent?
>> No.
>> Are you a government agent?
>> What are you doing with my car?
>> Are you a government agent?
>> I'm asking you a question first.
>> Are you a government agent?
>> I'm not asking your question. You answer me. Why are you recording?
>> I don't have to answer you if you're not going to identify yourself.
>> Why are you recording my car?
>> Why are you asking me something that you have for what?
>> No, I'm not coming with you. I can hear you just fine here. Thank you. You should identify yourself as citizens.
You really should identify yourself, sir. You're going to learn the law today. While Nick was lawfully exercising his rights, an officer approached without clearly explaining the reason for the stop and refused to identify himself, escalating the situation further.
>> I don't work for you. You work for me.
Come here.
>> What you do?
>> What's your name and your badge number?
>> My name is Vic.
>> You have a badge number, Vic.
>> I don't have bad.
>> Vic, you're kind of close to my personal space. Can you back up a little bit?
>> What are you up to?
>> You're kind of close to my personal space.
>> Uhhuh.
>> You need to back up a little bit. I can hear you just fine. All right. I'm up to I'm trying to figure out why E= MC² instead of MC pi. Can you can you answer that for me?
>> I'm not a mathematician, man.
>> Oh, then you can't really help me, buddy.
>> You can't do it here, though.
>> Why not? What law is that?
>> This is a facility, a US facility.
>> I understand that. That I pay for that you pay for own operated by the taxpayers.
>> They don't. This is a private airport.
>> Okay, let me explain that to you.
>> But this isn't a private building. This is a United States federal building that I pay for that is, hold on. that is also covered by the Department of Homeland Security >> 2018. First in 2010 and then updated in 2018, there's a department memo from the Department of Homeland Security that says, "I'm free to record all government agencies, >> the foyer, the lobby, the outside walkway, all government."
>> A second officer arrived and also attempted to stop the filming despite appearing unfamiliar with the laws surrounding public recording.
>> I can go inside to the to the public lobby, not into secure areas, but into the lobby area. So they might and they know that they just want they don't like people taking pictures so they call you to waste your time.
>> Well, you know that, right?
>> They know it. Their department that right?
>> Yeah. Yeah. I know you got a job. I know you're not, Vic. You're a good man, man.
Here, let me shake your hand. You're a good man. You just doing your job. You came ask >> supposed to avoid your space either, but I appreciate that. I don't see people standing in my space, >> right? You came up, you asked me a question, and you know, and that's your job. And I and I explained to you, I'm just taking photographs out in public.
>> Now, this this here is a private airport, >> right? I won't go past where it says no trespassing.
>> But you're not supposed to take pictures of the tail numbers because it's private.
>> No, but the but the US Constitution and the Supreme Court said I can take pictures of anything I can see in public.
>> Officer Vic attempted to pressure Nick into ending the recording. But once he realized Nick understood the law, his attitude quickly changed.
>> Don't put it out there.
>> Don't put it out there.
>> Hey, what I want you to do is go to YouTube. Go to YouTube and type in First Amendment audits >> and you'll see what we do. Ever since 911, the government has been trying to restrict our freedoms and we're just standing up to them. This is a perfectly lawful activity that I'm doing. I'm not approaching anyone. I'm not harming anyone. I have no weapons. I'm just out here enjoying the beautiful Fort Lauderdale day in airport that who comes to the executive airport besides Rick P.
>> You know, so just out here just right.
>> All right, Vic. Hey, you've been great, man.
>> All right. Thank you.
>> They're going to give you some kudos on YouTube.
>> Just be careful you go. I mean, I don't care what you take pictures of all that much, but I'm going to tell you what they don't like. You do what you want to do, >> but they don't like people taking pictures of their personal aircraft.
>> I understand that they don't like it.
But then they need to put it in a secure area because if I can see it in public, I can record it because guess what?
Guess what, Vic?
>> And don't go inside the facility. You got to deal with them.
>> Yeah. But guess what, Vic? You can't trespass the eyes. So if they don't want you to see it, they need to secure it. I won't go. I had no purp but I there's nothing in there. I'm just recording out recording the airport really and that's all custom. So >> take take the beauty of it all and take it in.
>> Guess what Vic they work for us.
>> Eventually officer Vic backed down and allowed Nick to continue filming without further interference. What began as a stressful drive home after a family emergency quickly exposed behavior that many viewers found deeply disturbing.
cuz I single-handedly wrote him enough tickets that they made him a habitual offender.
>> In November 2022, Jason was driving home from the hospital after his father suffered a stroke when he was unexpectedly pulled over by Clamoth County Deputy Mr. Bean.
>> What are you doing?
>> Back from the hospital.
Great. You're not supposed to be driving. You're not supposed to be driving.
>> What?
I don't know.
>> Do you have your ID?
>> Yeah. Why?
>> Need to look at it.
>> What?
>> What?
>> Why?
>> Cuz you're in violation.
>> Don't drive suspended.
>> ID and stuff. Go drive.
Even after learning about Jason's situation, Deputy Bean still issued another citation. But the real controversy began when the deputy forgot his body camera was still recording.
>> I was at the mall and I turned around.
Here comes Jason Roar.
So I'm like, "Oh, that's too good to be true.
I better greet him one more time.
Oh god, he's such a He's such a prick.
>> Oh god, he's a prick. He is the biggest prick I think I've dealt with all the time dealing with. He is such a dick.
>> Deputy Bean later visited the home of former Sergeant Mark where he was recorded mocking and humiliating Jason during a private conversation. When I was leaving, he had both fingers out the window. You know, you're okay.
I didn't tow your ass. Oh jeez. He's such a But you know what? He goes down, pays whatever. He goes down probably pays 1,000 bucks every time I give him a ticket cuz he's he's u cuz I single-handedly wrote him enough tickets that they made him a habitual offender.
So, he's actually has to show up every time I write him a ticket. now cuz he used to just like like he'd be like like I don't care if he just throw it out the window or just throw it in the car. He's like I don't care and I just tag and tag and tag him and tag him.
>> The body camera footage became even more shocking when Bean openly admitted he had been repeatedly targeting Jason and issuing tickets whenever possible.
>> I don't know how much it's like if you get him like six times in 6 months for a violations then they're then they're revoked habitual offender. And so I was like, I don't care. I'll tag you tomorrow. So I I tuned him. Oh, he is.
So he was telling me old Red had a uh stroke.
>> Oh, really? It can happen to a nicer guy.
>> I don't know what everybody's going to do with your now.
>> Yeah. Oh, Red. He apparently that's what they said. Oh, we're just coming from the hospital. How am I supposed to get back and forth? Not my problem.
>> Really is not my problem. Oh, he's got some new tattoos. He's got a It must be a different gang or something he's in.
But he's got like a uh like the German red red insignia on his hand now and tats all over this hand like like from But they're like they look like like like prison tattoos. They're really poor quality.
>> Somebody around here is probably >> Yeah.
>> Well, what's her name?
>> Probably with a dirty needle.
>> Meadows. Dana Meadows does tattoo.
>> Does she? Yeah. And they're they're prison quality.
>> Records later appeared to support those claims, showing Jason had received more than 20 traffic citations despite having no criminal record, resulting in reported fines exceeding $80,000.
>> Oh my goodness.
Oh, that's funny.
>> And this guy called Goodyear and then they he goes, "Yeah, we'll fix it one time."
>> Once Bean realized the camera was still recording, he quickly shut it off.
Although his statements remained legally protected, the public backlash intensified and he eventually retired from the department. Power can make some people reckless and this officer learned that lesson the hard way.
>> Why would you give your name and act professional?
>> I gave you my name. So go back and look at >> Yeah, I know. But your badge number. If >> there's anything else I can help you.
>> Yeah, your badge number. How do I know it's you?
>> A First Amendment auditor entered the Lee County gun range for a routine audit, but the encounter soon turned tense after an officer confronted him.
>> What's up, brother?
>> Why'd you guys shut the blinds? You guys are in there [ __ ] They come up for public and >> Oh, yeah.
>> Yeah, it's public.
>> Yeah, >> I know. I just threw the blimps and then now it's the the blinds are shut. That sucks.
>> What's your name and badge number?
>> I'm sorry.
>> What's your name and badge number?
>> Captain Griffith.
>> Cool. Captain >> Captain Griffith.
>> You got a badge number?
>> Yeah, you do.
>> What number? 029.
>> Okay, cool.
>> Yeah.
>> Nice to meet you, man, I'm good. Hanging in there just >> Who are you, by the way? What's your name, brother?
>> My name is Joey.
>> Nice to meet you, bro.
>> Nice to meet you, bro. Cool. I just came to take video here, man. My people were like, "Yo, go to the gun range and take some video there." See? And I'm like, "Okay." So, I'm just doing my thing. I like recording inside the vehicles, but that's not illegal to do that.
>> Yeah. We don't again know what I mean.
>> Yeah.
>> Like, nothing wrong with that. Unless you guys are hiding something in there or something.
>> You just freaking roam around, brother.
>> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. That's all I'm doing.
I'm not trying to break into the vehicles and etc. Had the dog going crazy over there.
>> Got everything else you need.
>> What was that?
>> Got everything you need.
>> Something like that.
>> You do? Something like that. Yeah, pretty much.
>> All right. Well, I appreciate it.
>> Yeah. What's You got a patch number?
>> Yes, I do.
>> What is it?
>> You're not here on official. You're not here on official business.
>> What do you mean?
>> I'm not addressing you on official capacity.
>> Don't you work for the public?
>> I do.
>> So, why would you give your name and act professional?
>> I gave you my name. So, go back and look at >> Yeah, I know. But your badge number.
>> The auditor believed the interaction had ended, but the officer returned and continued escalating the confrontation.
>> There's anything else I can help you with?
>> Yeah, your badge number. How do I know it's you? Come on, man. Why you got to be unprofessional? Your other All your other buddies were cool.
>> Are you ashamed that your badge number?
Why'd you come out here though to address me?
>> Can I just get your badge number? I'll be on my way.
>> I said no.
>> Why won't you give your badge?
>> Because we're not here on official capacity. If you don't have this ring, we can sign you up right up here and you can pay your membership.
>> What's the attitude? Relax. My business is recording here.
>> Back up.
>> If it makes you feel uncomfortable in any kind of way, can you let me know?
>> Oh, feelings. Feelings. You're going to go with feelings instead of the law. You shouldn't even have that badge if you're going to act that way.
>> Have a nice day.
>> Have a bad day.
>> See, when when when they act out like that, man, that's crazy.
>> The officer acted as though the rules did not apply to him, but the auditor remained calm and refused to back down.
>> Is is does he have a supervisor? Can I get Can I get a supervisor, please?
>> His supervisor.
>> Thank you very much. I appreciate it.
Can you give me your supervisor, sir?
>> Hey, how you doing? Uh, >> were you looking to speak to a supervisor?
>> Yeah, I just uh need that man's badge number.
>> I don't know what his badge number is.
Why do you need his badge number?
>> Cuz I want to file a complaint regarding >> because he's unprofessional. He gave me a bad attitude and he doesn't want to identify. I came here to record, not trying to interact with nobody. I wanted to know who he was. He's a public servant. He gave me a bad attitude. So, I want to file a complaint. You guys got complaint forms? Nope. I don't have them.
>> So, how do I file a complaint on this guy?
>> You go online.
>> So, I don't know who he is.
>> Sergeant Mike King.
>> Sergeant Y.
>> Mike King.
>> He don't have a badge number.
>> I don't know what you mean.
>> Can you just got to make things so difficult?
>> You came to me. I didn't talk to you.
>> Listen.
>> Once the supervisor arrived, the officer's attitude noticeably shifted as he attempted to blame the auditor for the encounter instead.
>> Okay. You talked to me from a distance and I walked up to you.
>> You addressed me.
>> It doesn't matter. It does.
>> You work for the people. You work for me. You can't be acting like that. Did I give you an attitude? No, I didn't give you an attitude in here. I had a very good conversation with your other big buddy that was up here, too. I asked you for I want to know who I engaged with.
>> I told you my name.
>> Yeah, but what's your badge number?
There can be a lot of last names that you gave me here. I don't know that. I want to know who I engaged with. And it's your policy to identify that he's the only Mike King.
>> Mike King. Make it so simple. You're making this thing so hard. Isn't it your policy to identify when any any of us ask for your for your badge number, your name? Come on.
>> I didn't come here for this.
>> Look that up. Okay, >> I'm gonna find out everything about you now. Salary pay. This is plary report.
Now I'm going to put you on blast all over my freaking uh platform. This is what we don't want to see this dude.
Why? Why do you got to act like that? I don't understand.
>> Public range of you. If you would like to become a member and we had the end of the discussion, >> we were cool with it. I was cool with you. The officer faced difficult questions in front of his supervisor while the auditor continued pressing for accountability regarding the way he had been treated.
>> I'm his supervisor. I'm >> Yeah, that's fine. But he shouldn't be acting like that. I got it on camera. I was about to leave and he started talking to me from a distance and I walked up to him telling him, "No, I got everything." He goes, "You got everything you need?" I'm like, "Yeah, I got it. Cool. What's your name and your badge number?" He goes, "I'm not giving you that." He had a nasty attitude, dude.
>> All right.
>> So, I mean, he shouldn't be treating the public like that, and they can't do that. You know, when they act like that, I hold him accountable.
>> Understood.
>> It's that simple. But I don't know what's his problem.
>> Mike King, Sergeant.
>> Yes.
>> For gun range department.
>> Training.
>> Training.
>> Thank you very much. You sure you don't know his badge number?
>> I swear.
>> It just makes it easier for me.
>> No idea. I really have.
>> What's your name and badge number?
>> Mike Swift.
>> 15050.
>> Is that so hard? No. I don't understand why your coworker is like that. But all right. You have a good day, man. I'm good.
>> Can I help you with anything else?
>> No, that's it.
>> Sorry that you got something.
>> I think you know his badge number, though. That's what I think.
>> I I can assure you I do have no problem.
>> But you're his supervisor. You're a lieutenant.
>> Oh, you weren't? All right, man. You have a good day, man. I'm out of here.
That's it.
>> I was just watching you record somebody to get something out of vending machine.
>> Yeah. No, it's not. It's not. That's not the point. It's just them. They're they're law enforcement.
>> Yeah, >> I like to record them.
>> They look good.
>> Kind of intimidating though.
>> After the tense interaction finally ended, the auditor left the scene without further confrontation. One simple mistake, a badge and a body cam caused everything the officers thought was hidden to collapse instantly.
>> Who's that? A head or tail.
Okay.
>> On April 7th, 2018, officers Courtney Brown and Christy Wilson stopped Sarah Webb on her way to work, but the routine traffic stop soon became national news.
>> Stay in the car.
>> Sorry, my window doesn't hold.
>> Off the Brown Roswell Police Department.
You know how fast you were just going, ma'am.
>> I'm so sorry. Okay, I'm late for work.
>> So, you could go over 80 mph on 92? No, ma'am.
>> You have your driver's license and your insurance card?
>> Yeah, my insurance.
>> Turn off the car and pass me the keys, please.
>> The ground's wet. It's been raining.
You're going over 80 miles an hour on this type of a road. That's reckless driving. Ma'am, >> this is Lexus Nexus. I'm trying to look it up. I don't have it printed off.
>> Give me one second. I'll be right with you. I'm going to take I'm going to take her probably for reckless.
>> Okay. She flew past me going probably 80 85 on 92 in the wet road. She says she's running late for work. I had to get up to 90 to catch her. I mean, I don't have any speed detection. So, at the same time, but No, but you can use the fact that you were going whatever speed and she went past you.
>> Mhm.
>> It's on camera. So, you're going to have a back speed. You're going to have the fact that you went 90 to catch up to her.
>> Officer Brown returned to her vehicle to decide whether Webb would receive a warning or face arrest. And the method she used sparked immediate outrage.
>> I mean that's unacceptable. I told her I said you know the roads are wet correct.
You're running late for work and you're going above 80 >> to get to work. I said call. So do not do that and put people's lives in jeopardy. My cat just froze on me so I'm restarting it right now. What do you think? We're just tickets. Who's that?
>> A head or tail.
>> Okay.
>> This is tail, right?
>> Yeah. So really 23.
>> Michael Jordan.
All right. So, I got two too fast for Let me write this down.
>> Too fast for conditions.
>> Reckless. Is it reckless >> for Yeah, you can do reckless. Um, and then speeding.
And you're just going to have to mark the pace one instead of the >> I mean, either way, the speed limit here is what? 45.
>> Yeah, 45.
>> She was going way >> I mean, so I haven't done one like speeding like that, so that's why I'm a little bit unsure. a patrol vehicle spot and then it's going to ask you for moving or not moving into.
>> Can you help me do these dang tickets?
My dad won't even log me in.
>> Brown admitted she had driven nearly 90 mph to catch up to Web despite never officially measuring her speed. Then in a shocking moment, she used a coin flip application to decide Sarah's fate.
>> All right, ma'am. Do me a favor. Step out of the vehicle for me.
>> Why did you find out?
>> Step out of the vehicle. Turn around.
Put your hands behind your back.
>> Because ma'am, you're driving entirely too fast for conditions. You put a lot of people's lives in jeopardy. Okay.
Double locking these so they don't tighten on you. My patrol vehicle. Do you have anything in your pock? Do you have anything on you to poke, stick, or stab me? Any paraphernalia? Anything like that? Okay.
You have a bon. Turn to the side for me.
Here. Move. Okay. I'm just going to shake this out. Okay.
All right. Do me a favor. Step over here. It's my patrol vehicle. Have a seat for me.
>> We're going to buckle you in. Okay.
>> What began as a joke quickly turned serious when Webb was arrested based on the result of the coin flip.
>> You can make a phone call, but that's all you can do. If you want to call them, you're allowed to call them. But okay. Okay. Give me one second. I'll let you call them. Okay. Who's your >> Nope. I am but without a stamper.
>> Oh, >> who's that?
>> I don't know. Why are they plugging me?
>> He's not here.
>> No one's a notary. That's yours. All of you.
>> Got five people. I mean, I am. I just don't have my stamp yet.
>> Can you please start notary?
>> Yeah.
>> No notaries.
>> Huh?
>> Yeah. If you can Well, I still got to wait for a notary. So the 85 might get here in time, but if not, do you want to stay?
>> Yeah, I'll stay just >> Okay.
>> Despite the controversy, neither officer initially showed remorse, but the internal investigation eventually resulted in both Brown and Wilson being fired. This next officer learned the hard way that wearing a badge does not place anyone above the law.
>> You want to play games?
>> This ain't a game.
>> I need your ID, please.
>> For what?
>> I didn't jwalk.
>> You did?
>> I don't have ID. A First Amendment auditor spotted a police cruiser hidden near the roadway, apparently monitoring drivers for speeding violations and decided to approach the officer.
>> Look at this dude.
Tell me that's not entrapment. That's entrapment, my man.
>> How? You're in the bushes.
>> Why are you walking up?
>> Oh, I can walk across here because I'm doing video.
Is there a reason why you're sitting here entrapping people? That's enttrapment, bro.
>> You got to have your lights on. You got to be out so we can see you.
>> You understand? You cannot walk here.
>> I can be over there and I can be here.
>> This is access to the highway.
>> This is public property. I've recorded.
>> This is public property.
>> Yeah, exactly. This is a state route highway. You cannot walk.
>> I can be over there. I can cross the street. Yeah, because I can cross it right there, sir.
>> I can cross it right there. There's no cross.
>> Well, then I can walk up on this private or this public property right here.
>> Walk through the grass area and walk back. Stay off of the lane of travel.
You understand that?
>> Oh, yeah. That's fine.
>> Okay. Proceed.
>> The auditor began discussing the law with the officer, and the conversation quickly exposed major confusion about basic legal rights.
>> You walk in.
>> I walk straight across the lane. I'm not going to dispute that. Proceed to walk from here.
>> Leave, please.
>> Is that a lawful order?
>> Yes, that is a lawful order. What crime do you suspect me of committing?
>> I already spoke to you about that.
>> Okay. I'm on I'm on public property right now.
>> That is correct, sir.
>> Correct. Yeah. So, I'm allowed I'm allowed to be here all day.
>> You want to play games?
>> This ain't a game.
>> I need your ID, please.
>> For what? I didn't jaywalk it. I'm getting video of you and trapping people.
>> Okay, that's fine. Get some backup. Call the state boys, too.
>> I think you do. Unable to justify his position, the officer demanded identification and accused the auditor of jaywalking despite no clear violation. taking place.
>> I just clarified everything, Sergeant, just to be sure. But so if I wanted to, which I really don't care to waste my time with taxpayer money, >> the taxpayer money on your ignorance, >> my ignorance, right?
>> You were jaywalking. I could site your video.
>> Therefore, therefore, I'm assuming you do actually. I'll confiscate your phone to get that.
>> No, you won't. You can't my phone.
>> But my point is, you can't walk down the road, man. It's unsafe. I don't know what you're trying to do, man. As far as YouTube, channel, whatever. Go ahead. As far as if you're trying to show people where I am, that's perfectly fine.
>> No, no, >> you can do that. You cannot walk on an on-ramp down the middle of the road.
>> I didn't walk down the on-ramp.
>> You might have some mental illness because you can't seem to recall where you actually were walking.
>> Okay.
>> I don't know if you need an ambulance or anything.
>> This is a This is funny that you guys always come up with mental illness in this town. Where you foster township?
>> You can leave the area. And what I'm going to advise you to do is not be silly like this because you're going to get cited for it. All right. I got better things to do than right down here. I didn't sign up for it. All right. Sign up for protect the public and save lives.
>> Is this protecting public?
>> When people are speeding at exceed at high rates of speed, it causes accidents most of the time. Oh, definitely. Are you aware of that? Like, do you enjoy writing people DUIs and taking their license? No. I mean, you should the accidents and the deaths and the fatalities that families have to.
>> I mean, you should you should have some type of thing with DUI and stuff like that.
>> One thing you can do is pick up litter.
There's a bunch of it. You got nothing to do today.
>> Oh, sure. right there. I pick up one piece of litter a day.
>> You should. You should. I walked around this town for 3 years picking up cans.
Just picking up cans.
>> Just picking up cans.
>> I'm a millionaire, dude.
>> Are you?
>> You don't believe me, do you? Said you don't believe me, do you?
>> I vow to >> I'm No. No. I'm going to walk by I'm going to walk by the truck, but I ain't going to touch it.
>> No, there's That's No, I got a couple feet. Nah, it's a couple feet. I got I got plenty of room. I got plenty of room. Eventually, the officer realized the auditor had broken no laws and allowed him to leave without charges after failing to identify any actual offense.
>> Yeah. Enjoy uh entrapping people.
>> I'm sure you are. I'm sure you are.
See?
Bye. This is what they do every time.
Every time. Many viewers were shocked that the officer attempted to treat walking on public property as illegal behavior, but the situation ultimately ended with the officer being forced to move his vehicle from the bushes after the auditor challenged the legality of the setup. Well, that brings us to the end of this video. Today, we watched how clueless cops made mistakes that ultimately ended their careers, proving how one reckless decision or poor judgment call can change everything in an instant. Situations like these highlight the importance of proper training, professionalism, and accountability in law enforcement, especially when every action is being watched and recorded. When officers fail to handle situations responsibly, the consequences can follow them for the rest of their lives.
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