I'll get out of the way. >> No, no, you can't even be in here. >> This is a public lobby. >> No, we're loading guns. I'm Sergeant Corsi. You're not allowed to be on state property right now. So, you can record the facility how you want. >> I can be right here where I am. >> No, you can't be. >> Yes, I can, sir. >> All right. >> A simple rights check unexpectedly turns into a tense confrontation when the police overstep their boundaries. >> Do you have any other business? If you have no other proper business in here, then you leave. >> Well, I'm going to go ahead and fill out the paperwork that I need to do, but video video recording is my business, okay? >> When power is misused, an ordinary interaction can turn into a situation that pulls the entire system into a legal spiral. A cameraman arrives at Elmira Correctional Facility to exercise his First Amendment rights, but almost immediately upon appearing at the entrance, he is confronted and pressured with tense warnings. >> Well, all right, let's check out the public lobby of the main entrance here. >> Hey, how are you? Good, how are you? >> Good. How can I help you? >> Oh, I don't need any help. Thank you, I appreciate it though. Thank you. >> Sure. Just recording? >> Yeah, just taking some pictures, that's all. >> Okay, no problem. >> No, thank you. >> All right, this is state ground. You're welcome to be in the parking lot. >> Sure, no problem. >> Okay. >> Thank you, sir. I appreciate it. >> Can I get your name, sir? >> Sure. My name is Shawn. >> Shawn? >> Just Shawn. Just Shawn. >> Sure, thank you. >> No problem. You got it. Here we have some National Guardsmen. They are still here in the correctional facilities. Hey, how you doing, guys? >> Good, how you doing? >> Good, good. What's going on? Sorry, let me get out of your way. Sorry about that. >> What are you doing? >> I'm just recording. [music] >> For what? >> My purposes. >> For your purposes? >> Yes. >> What are you doing, man? >> That's what I'm saying. >> Hey, who are you? >> All right, you guys step out here because they got turned inside. Come on. >> I'm I'm going to get out of their way. I'll get out of their way. >> No, no, you can't even be in here. >> This is a public lobby. >> No, we're loading guns. >> Yeah, I'm not I have no interest in your firearms, just so you so you're aware. Who are you, sir? >> I'm Sergeant Corsi. You're not allowed to be on state property right now. >> Sure I can. State property is public property, Sergeant Corsi. >> So, you can record the facility how you want. >> Right. That's what I'm doing. No, I can be right here where I am. >> No, you can't be. >> Yes, I can, sir. >> All right. >> That was hold on. Yep. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Zero interest in your firearms you guys got. >> It's a safety procedure they have to have a clear space to load their load firearms. It has nothing to do with you. So, you're just inhibiting their job. That's all. Are you parked on the property? >> I don't want to answer any more questions. What was your name again? >> Sure, my name's Officer Slater. >> Officer Slater? Yeah, I think I've answered enough questions. >> At first, everything seemed like a routine recording, but within minutes, simple questions began to touch a sensitive line, and the officials' attitude changed completely. A warning was issued, and this time, things were no longer so simple. >> All right, if you don't leave, the state troopers are going to come here. >> Okay. The state troopers who swore an oath to uphold my constitutional rights, statutory rights, those state troopers? >> Yes. >> Yeah, that's fine. >> So. >> I have no issue with that. >> You guys are going to separate in here. What's your name, man? >> Hey, Sergeant. I You know, you came off pretty aggressive. I'd rather not give any of my personal information. >> [music] >> I came off aggressive? >> Yeah, pretty much. >> Oh. >> That's how I feel anyway. >> Oh, I'm just curious what you're doing. >> Right. No, well, no, you weren't. You were barking orders at me like I'm an inmate of this facility. >> do have to leave state property. >> I don't. >> Yes, you do. >> I don't. I have a statutory right to be here. Did you participate in the illegal strikes, Sergeant? Did you? You know, protesting working conditions or whatever. >> How are you doing? >> Hey, how are you? >> Good. How are you? >> Good. >> What can I do for you? >> I'm just on a story on Elmira Correctional Facility. Are you a supervisor? >> Yeah, I'm a lieutenant, yeah. >> Lieutenant, and your name? >> Lieutenant Chapman. >> Lieutenant Chapman. I >> What's your name? >> And your name is? >> What was your name? >> I I didn't give it, sir. I didn't give it. >> I I need your I need your name. >> No, no, I'm not going to give it, sir. >> I do need your name. The troopers have been called. >> The The troopers >> You can't record right now. >> Right. The troopers that swore an oath to uphold my rights >> So, where did you park your car? Where did you park it? >> Who says I parked [music] anywhere? >> Well, where did you How did you get here? >> I could have parachuted in. >> You could have parachuted in? >> Right. I mean, could have walked here. >> Mhm. Could have done a lot of things, right? >> Right. >> Okay, so I'm going to read this to you, so just be patient. I don't read so well. I've only got a high school education, but it is what it is. You are permitted to record law enforcement activity. However, this property is owned by the department. They're considered part of the correctional facility and falls under the authority and jurisdiction of the commissioner pursuant to correction law 112. I'm sure you've heard this all before. He's empowered to exercise superintendence, management, and control over all department correctional facilities, and for safety and security reasons, he has promulgated the restriction against the videotaping and photographing of DOCS facility property. You are permitted to continue recording officers acting within their official capacity. However, to ensure the safety and security of the facility, please change the angle of your recording to ensure to ensure no DOCS facilities are viewable in your recording. If you continue to record DOCS facility property, the state police will be called. So, I'm giving you the opportunity to turn it off right now. >> Just when the reading of the regulations seemed to settle the dispute, the cameraman refused to back down. And then, as additional personnel arrived on scene, the situation immediately escalated into a new phase, where every word spoken could now carry serious consequences. >> What's going on? >> So, he's uh recording on our property. I've read him exactly what the director states. Uh apparently, his name is Shawn. He won't give me any other information. Um I don't know if that's all I've got. He goes around to all the facilities and does this. >> Cuz it's my statutory right. That's why. >> I'm sure it is. >> And you guys are murdering people, denying medical treatment. >> immediately. >> I have every right to be here. >> Yes, you do. Which one is it? The highlighter one? >> Yeah, and I I've already read them all that. >> Okay. >> What? >> All right, so yeah. Thank you, buddy. >> That was a hard slap on the back. So, are you sticking with that story, too, sergeant? There's no beatdown squads here? >> Are you answering questions? Or do you expect me to answer questions? >> You don't have to. I'm I can ask them. You don't have to answer them. >> Yeah. I think you should >> I'm not forcing you. I'll engage with whoever. I'm I'm just being peaceful, I'm asking questions, that's all. It's not a big deal. You should look up the New York State Right to Monitor Act. It's a law for New York State. Should look it up. It specifically says correctional officers. >> Yeah, I'm sure. >> Yeah, it does. >> All right. Can I talk to you over here? >> Sure, we can talk wherever, trooper. Sure, that's fine. What's your name? >> Trooper Wozniak. >> Trooper Wozniak. My name is Shawn, trooper. >> Nice to meet you, Shawn. >> Nice to meet you, trooper. >> Where did you park that? >> Oh, I I I walked here. >> You walked here? You a local? >> Yeah, I just walked here. >> You walked here? >> parachuted in, you know, it doesn't really matter how I got here. I This is open to the public. >> Actually, it's not. Not from what I just read, it's not. >> It's It's 100% trooper open to the public. I am engaging in not only a constitutionally protected activity, but a statutorily protected activity through New York State Right to Monitor Act. I have a a right to record correctional officers, law enforcement on public property. It doesn't give any exceptions. It is public property. That's scary. Yeah, but that's scary that you don't think that this is public property. This is 100% It's funded by taxpayers. This is open to the public. How did I get here? >> Walked here like >> Right, I walked here. I walked here. That's not a restricted area. I'm not in a restricted area. I'm not behind the fence behind you. I'm engaged in a statutory protected activity. >> The conversation dragged on, seemingly routine, yet quietly pushed the situation toward a more dangerous turning point. And then, after everything, a final decision was made. One that could send things spiraling out of control and trigger consequences no one saw coming. >> Cool. >> Chill out. >> Hey, sir. >> I talked to my supervisor because it's a state-owned property. They want you to leave. You have to leave. This is the last warning or you're getting arrested. >> Okay. For what? For what crime? >> Trespassing. >> Okay. >> State property. >> All right, no problem. I'll take it up in court. That's not a problem. >> So, are you leaving? >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah, yeah, yeah. Well, I'm not You just said that if I don't leave, I'm going to be arrested, right? Yeah, yeah, yeah. So, I'll have my lawyer handle it from here. >> Okay. Perfect. >> Who was the supervisor you spoke to? >> Uh Sergeant Innis. >> Sergeant Innis? >> Yes, sir. >> What troop? >> State police horse head, Trooper. >> Okay. Perfect. Thanks. Appreciate it. I think I can I think I can go out this way? >> Just go down that way. >> I I just want to know I don't know where I came in from. >> up here, did you? >> Yeah, I walked up here. >> Yeah, you can just take the stairs right down. >> Okay. Yeah, unfortunate turned out this way. You know, they You have violated my statutory rights. Very unfortunate, Trooper. Very unfortunate. Wow, guys. So, under threat of arrest, we're going to leave cuz we're not trying to sit in a jail cell. You guys know me, I will follow up with a federal lawsuit here, maybe a state lawsuit because it is a state law that says that we have a statutory right. A lot of times, the First Amendment is is great, but when you're in a specific state, you can uh 100% use that in the state courts. So, I'll have to talk to my attorney, Jacob Uriel, and we'll have to see how do we move forward from there from here because we're not going to allow even cordially our rights to be violated. We're going to have to hold us accountable. Just like Jeff Gray, I watched the deposition of Jeff Gray. I can't wait to depose you officers, the state troopers here, the correctional officers. It's going to be a They always do this to themselves. They violate our constitutional rights, and now they're going to be held accountable. >> No more arguments, no more dialogue. Only one choice remained. Leave or face arrest on the spot. As soon as he walked away, a statement was made setting the stage for a legal battle where right and wrong would no longer be decided on the scene, but in a courtroom. Citizens may file a lawsuit against police under Section 1983 if their rights are violated. Officers who violate those rights could face financial liability and may also be subject to discipline or termination. Up next, a group from Auditing America arrives at Newport City Hall to conduct a First Amendment audit. With no signs of disturbance and no clear violations, a threat to call the police emerges within the very first moments. Ooh. It's nice and warm in here. Payroll office closed. Ah, we can't request payroll. Hi, how are you today? >> I'm good. How are you doing? >> Do you know when the payroll office will be open? >> Payroll? >> Yes. >> Um, it says noon on the >> At noon? >> I think it says noon on the sign, yeah. >> Oh, okay. Okay, I didn't notice. Thanks. What services do you guys provide here? >> We're the collections office. >> Okay, thank you. Oh, yes. It says on the noon. Hi, how are you today? >> Good, how are you? >> Good. I'm just walking around taking picture of the building. How are you guys? >> Good, thank you. >> Good, thanks. Take care. Hi, how are you? >> How's it going? >> Good, just working on a video. >> Okay. Let us know if you need anything. >> Thank you very much. You're very nice. >> You're welcome. >> Everything seemed to be going smoothly with calm conversations and no signs of tension. But in a single moment, someone steps in, a question is asked, and instantly the atmosphere completely shifts. >> Yes. >> What is this video for? >> And you are? >> Who am I? >> Yes. >> Who are you? >> No, who are you? I don't know you. You're approaching me. >> you either, and that's your you're taking video of the employees and the building. I'd like to know >> Is this Is this a private building? >> No, it's a public building. But that doesn't necessarily mean that you can videotape it. What's the purpose of the video? >> Actually, it does mean that I could videotape here. It's just the people's building. >> my permission to use my image on that video. >> I don't need it. You're You're a public employee, and this is a public building. We have the right to come in here and conduct business and document it. >> What What business are you conducting? >> That's You haven't You haven't, you know, identified yourself to me, so I don't have to tell you anything. >> Well, I don't You tried to identify myself. I'd like to know what your purpose is of videotaping this building, or I'll contact the police department. >> Why would you call the police for >> Because you're videotaping this building and the employees without anyone's consent. >> And what's wrong with that? I don't I don't need it. >> You do not have my permission to use my image. You need >> I don't need it, ma'am. >> Yes, you do. >> No, I don't. It's the First Amendment. >> Yes, but do you understand the laws of Washington State? All I need to do is give my consent to record you. >> But you did it. >> But I already gave my consent to record you. >> We pretty much don't need don't need your We don't want to We don't want to be rude. That's fine. You can call you whoever you want, but they We're not doing anything wrong. >> I'm staying. >> No, we'll stay We'll stay down here. And she's calling the police for video recording. Do you work here? All right. We'll just wait right here for the police. >> Who are you calling? >> Are you a supervisor here, sir? >> What can I help you with? >> I'm just waiting for the payroll office to be open. I'm here I'm I'm conducting business in the in the people's building. I have the right to document. >> Of course you do. >> Well, she's calling the police because I'm videotaping She thinks I that she needs to >> What can we help you? >> consent. >> What can I help you >> a public records request form. >> Okay. Okay, we can >> Are you a supervisor? >> Let me help you. >> All right. >> What seemed like a simple exchange quickly escalated when an unexpected decision was made. The tension became unmistakable, and once law enforcement arrived, the situation officially entered an entirely different phase. >> All right. >> Yes. >> You're probably You guys are probably looking for me. I just don't want them wasting their time, you know? They they have more important things to do than just going around looking for a guy with a camera. Can I have your name and badge number, officer? >> What's that? >> Can I have your name and badge number, please? >> Fields, badge 90. >> Thank you very much. How's your day going? >> So far, so good. >> Good. Good. Yeah, uh public employees misinformed about public photography. You ever hear that that line? >> Photography is not a crime. >> Skate Skateboarding is not a crime. Those are very popular ones, you know. >> But 406. Just advise these two parties uh the message. >> We were talking to the middle guy earlier. What's going on, guys? >> How How are How's your day going? >> Good. How's your day going? >> Doing good. Thank you for asking. >> here? >> Yeah. >> What's your business? >> We already have the paperwork. He just gave it to us. >> All right. >> Are we Are you guys like rushing us? >> Yes, we are. >> Why? >> you. >> Why? >> Do you have any business here besides the paperwork that you got? >> I do. I do. I finance this place. >> Huh? >> I finance this place. >> Do you have any other business? If you have no other proper business in here, then you leave. >> Well, >> So, here's the deal. Now, listen to me. I ain't >> Video recording is >> I I'm not talking about you. You can record all you want. >> You Lower your voice, please. We're talking. >> telling you is if you don't have any business in here, then you need to leave. Did you do your business? >> I'm going to go ahead and fill out the paperwork that I need to do, but video video recording is my business, okay? >> All right, that's fine. You can bring video equipment. >> And you need to And you And you need to watch the way that you talk to people, because Where's the pen? It's right there. You need to watch the way that you talk. I'm sorry. >> It seemed that once law enforcement arrived, the situation would be resolved smoothly. But, after just a few exchanges, the tension escalated more than ever. A shift in tone, a hardened attitude, and from that moment on, the confrontation entered its most intense phase. >> I I just I just Listen, you just got here. You just got here. I am I've been trying >> Right now, you're not. >> You're rushing me. >> I am rushing you. >> You You don't have You don't have that privilege. I'm going to do it because I already know that you're you have a bad attitude. This gentleman over here is very nice. >> We'll make you sit here all day. >> I have the right to be here all day recording. It's First Amend- The First Amendment protect the right. >> This is not No, it is not. This is not No, it is not. You have to have business in here. >> My business is recording. >> And what press? You're not press. >> Oh, we're not press? >> You have credentials? >> All credentials. >> First Amendment >> This guy doesn't even know Look, look. >> press. Supervisor, please. >> I am the supervisor. >> How long How many How many people have you arrested for video recording? >> None. >> Okay. So, today's not going to be the >> That's not why you're not being arrested, number one. >> No, but but I know where you're going. I know where you I know how you You're rushing me into doing this? You know what? I'm going to mail it, and let's get out of here. Let's get out of here because you are a tyrant. You're a very professional young guy. >> Give me your badge number, please. >> 310. >> 310. >> Danny Turman. >> Have a good day. >> You're a bad cop and then that's the reason why we do this. You don't have You have no rights to rush us out of here, okay? Video recording is a job, okay? How do you know this is not my job? >> Have a good day. >> It's not a good day when we come across idiots like you. I don't feel safe with them around me. >> Everybody, if you want one of these shirts with the Bucket Boy News, feel free. Like, share, subscribe. Bucket Boy News. >> How's it going, sir? >> Good. How are you? >> Doing good. Doing good. Fantastic. Hey, good cop. Remember, if you're good cop, you got You got to put bad cops in check. If you're a good cop, you have to remind him, even though he's your boss, even though he's your boss, you have to remind him that he has to protect the oath that he swore when he became a police officer. You, my friend, you are one bad cop, okay? What were you going to charge me with if I was just walking around video Listen, I know your I I I know your demeanor. Your body language says it all. Your body language >> longer a debate, but a direct confrontation. >> sister's a psychologist. As a matter of fact, she is >> Yet notably, no handcuffs were used. >> bad cops. >> Instead, a loaded statement was left behind, >> See you tomorrow. See you tomorrow. See you tomorrow. God bless America. >> but only just beginning. >> Like and subscribe. Bad cops. You ever heard of bad cops, my friend? Bad cops, right there. That's why They work for us. >> Think about this situation. If you enjoyed the video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and support us with a donation. Thank you so much. >> [music] >> Mhm.