What must be true for filming police to be considered legal under the First Amendment?

For filming police to be considered legal under the First Amendment, it is crucial that it is done from a distance and non-interfering. This means that the individual filming must respect the scope of lawful police activity and ensure that they do not interfere with police operations or create a situation that may escalate tensions.

The First Amendment protects the right to free speech and free press, which includes the ability to record police officers performing their official duties in public spaces where there is no reasonable expectation of privacy. By maintaining a respectful distance, the individual filming can assert their rights while also acknowledging the need for police officers to conduct their work without obstruction.

This principle has been reinforced through various court decisions, emphasizing that as long as the filming is done in a manner that does not disrupt law enforcement activity, it falls well within the protections of the First Amendment.