ACLU, media orgs sue Arizona over law that prohibits close-range police filming - Axios PhoenixLog InLog InAxios Phoenix is an Axios company.

ACLU media sue Arizona over law prohibiting up-close police filming

Illustration: Natalie Peeples/Axios The ACLU of Arizona and 10 media organizations on Tuesday sued the state over a law set to take effect next month that would make it illegal to within 8 feet of law enforcement activity. Details: People can face misdemeanor charges if they film within 8 feet of an officer:Questioning a suspicious person.Conducting an arrest, issuing a summons or enforcing the law.Handling an emotionally disturbed or disorderly person who is exhibiting abnormal behavior. What they're saying: "At a time when the public is demanding police accountability, Arizona wants to criminalize the public's most effective tool for shining a light on police violence," ACLU of Arizona legal director Jared Keenan said.The group argues the new law would unconstitutionally suppress free speech. The other side: "Nobody walks up to a cop when he is questioning a suspicious person or arresting somebody and stands 1 or 2 feet away. Common sense says you're asking for trouble," Rep. John Kavanagh, who sponsored the bill, said in March on . Context: The new law comes as Arizona and the nation grapple with police accountability. The Phoenix Police Department, the largest law enforcement agency in the state, is under , in part because of alleged retaliation against protesters in the weeks following George Floyd's murder. Get more local stories in your inbox with .Subscribe Support local journalism by becoming a member.

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