Can you picture this? Arrested for taking photos of the NYC subway, even though it’s legal.  Don’t these guys have anything better to do?  The camera-wielding perp knew his rights and it didn’t seem to matter.  Still, you might want to know your rights:

“I said, ‘According to the rules of conduct, we are allowed to take pictures,’ ” Mr. Taylor said. “I showed him the rules — they’re bookmarked on my BlackBerry.”

Rule 1050.9 (c) of the state code says, “Photography, filming or video recording in any facility or conveyance is permitted except that ancillary equipment such as lights, reflectors or tripods may not be used.”

I guess the cops don’t need to keep up on the laws that much.  Maybe policing is more of an intuitive art than I’ve realized, and has less to do with enforcing actual laws.  More info on the photography ban (or lack thereof).

I’m not saying being a cop isn’t a risky and tough job.  It is.  Those who carry it out effectively and with integrity deserve our support and appreciation.  However, it seems there’s a lot of energy spent on harassing bicycle riders (see: Critical Mass) and photographers, which just seems like…well…bullying.

[Photo Take the A Train, copyright Sky Pape, 2004]