July 14, 2014
Within the last year there has been a greater visible police presence all over the city of San Francisco. What was once tolerated and even considered part of the local culture, or ambiance, if you will, is no longer tolerated. This includes street vending street food and open marijuana consumption.
With the influx of Tech Boomers and rising housing costs, also came this new intolerance. No coincidence!
People who appear homely or otherwise not clean-cut white bread (with the exception of hipsters, of course, lest we forget hipsters snitched out “Detroit Red,” Malcolm X’s alter ego before enlightenment through the Nation of Islam) are randomly stopped and questioned by police, particularly those of color.
Complaining to the Office of Citizens Complaints is of little to no avail. We are left with little or no recourse other than taking matters into our own hands.
I suggest doing so by way of a camera stills or video whatever is clever! There is no law against taking pictures of police executing their duties, provided you don’t interfere with them doing so.
The best thing about having a smartphone is practically everyone has one and anyone for all intents and purposes can be a photo-journalist. Snap that $4it write that $4it post that $4it ! I suggest taking as many pictures of cops as possible in as many settings as possible!
Just remember not to get close enough to interfere with them or invade their personal space. For most of us, 3 feet is the general rule. Don’t give them an excuse, give them 9 feet or more. Telefoto lenses are an even better bet. If you intend to really be enthusiastic, it might behoove you to purchase a disposable camera because the technology to interfere with cell phones and other wireless devices exists. Trust and believe the police have it and will use it! In most instances during daylight hours, a flash is not needed and with many wireless cameras the flash will not operate in daylight.
It is important to also remember that cops often hide in the shadows, knowing they can and will be photograghed, making a telephoto lense a better option in many cases due to gaining a greater vantage point. Don’t be concerned about just taking their pictures when they are doing wrong, even if they are just walking or driving. Just know that you probably won't get a clear shot if they are in a vehicle because they are not in direct sunlight.
Don’t just stand there! Pic the police! Don’t forget to post it!