Yes, filming police officers in Kentucky is generally legal under the First Amendment, provided the activity does not interfere with law enforcement operations. Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) 520.060 and federal case law, such as Glik v. Cunniffe (2011), affirm the right to record police in public spaces. However, obstruction or harassment during filming may lead to charges under KRS 525.070 or local ordinances. The Kentucky State Police and Louisville Metro Police Department have issued internal directives aligning with these legal precedents, though compliance varies by jurisdiction.
Key Regulations for Filming Police Officers in Kentucky
- Public Space Recording: Filming police in public areas (e.g., streets, parks) is protected unless it disrupts operations or violates trespassing laws. Kentucky courts have upheld this in cases like Bott v. City of Newport (2018), which rejected claims of interference absent clear evidence.
- Interference Prohibitions: KRS 525.070 criminalizes obstruction, meaning standing too close to an active crime scene or refusing to comply with lawful orders (e.g., moving back) could result in misdemeanor charges. The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government’s 2023 policy manual mirrors this standard.
- Audio Recording Restrictions: Kentucky is a “one-party consent” state (KRS 526.020), allowing audio recording if at least one participant consents. Filming without audio or with visible consent (e.g., announcing recording) avoids legal pitfalls. The Kentucky Office of the Attorney General issued a 2024 advisory clarifying this distinction.