On restrictions, again...

For a few years now, mostly since 9/11, many photographers have encountered issues with law enforcement and other authorities when photographing public buildings, utilities, etc. It is tough to accept restrictions on one's work while in public space and photographing public buildings, and there seems to be a general confusion on both sides (photo professionals and law enforcement) as to where the line should be drawn. I personally am against the abuse of power by police and others and a seemingly unreasonable approach to security. In being reasonable, I always try to discuss this with both sides when the chance arises.

I happened to be speaking with an analyst at the Pentagon recently and discussing this, and he shed a little light on it, not making it easier to accept, but perhaps easier to understand where the other side is coming from. He mentioned that very specific photos of buildings and such are almost always present when terrorist and terrorist safe houses are searched, including such detailed images as exits and entrances to elementary schools, hospitals, etc.

Not that this makes all the restrictions right, but it sheds a little more light on why some photographers have been harassed, questioned, taken in, etc.

For more on this topic:
-Downloadable one page paper explaining your rights as a photographer: http://www.krages.com/phoright.htm
-Good NPR story on this topic: http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4705698
-PhotoSig discussion: http://www.photosig.com/go/forums/read?id=206320
-http://www.photopermit.org/