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Amateur Photographer Sues City, Gets $30K
By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 10, 2010
Modified Feb 10, 2010
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Feb 10, 2010
Modified Feb 10, 2010
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About a year ago, off-duty MTA worker Robert Taylor was handcuffed and locked in a holding cell after photographing an incoming train at the Freeman Street station in the Bronx. An officer allegedly told him photography isn't allowed, even though what he was doing was perfectly legal (MTA rules read, "Photography, filming or video recording in any facility or conveyance is permitted"). He refused to delete the photos he took, and was consequently charged with unauthorized photography, unreasonable voice/disorderly conduct and impeding traffic.
Robert says "I wasn't being a jerk, but I was standing firm. I didn't curse at them or anything. I just said 'Well these are what the rules say.' If anything he was being unreasonable to me. He put his hands on me and he shoves me." On SubChat this week he posted a note stating, "sometimes you have to stand your ground, and if you don't, it opens up the doors for them to do whatever they want to you."
The summonses were dismissed and the NYPD eventually admitted their error, but Robert decided to hire a lawyer and sue the city. This resulted in a settlement which got him (and cost taxpayers) $30,000. Robert told Fox 5 News, "It would be nice if it came out of those cops' paychecks; it's unfortunate the taxpayer has to pay for cops who can't follow rules or comprehend rules. It's unfortunate the taxpayer has to suffer." If you think the NYPD has learned their lesson from this settlement, take into account that Robert's incident happened right after they settled another similar case for $31,000! (And another one for $15,000.)
Perhaps they should reissue that memo... or put up signs underground stating the rules of photography. Interestingly enough, when Fox 5 was filming their story with Robert in the subway system, a transit cop came over and put his hand on the camera lens saying photography and video weren't permitted!
Tagged
lawsuit
nypd
photography
Robert Taylor
settlement
subway
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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