Yes, filming police officers in Poland is generally legal under Article 26 of the Polish Constitution and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, which protect freedom of expression. However, restrictions apply when filming interferes with official duties, breaches public order, or violates privacy rights. The 2026 amendment to the Police Act (Ustawa o Policji) tightens rules on recording during operations, requiring compliance with officer directives to maintain operational security.
Key Regulations for Filming Police Officers in Poland
- Operational Interference: Filming is prohibited if it obstructs police actions, endangers safety, or compromises investigations under Article 54(1) of the Police Act. Officers may order cessation if recordings hinder their duties.
- Privacy and Consent: Recording individuals without consent in private spaces (e.g., homes) violates Article 23 of the Civil Code. Public figures (e.g., officers in non-operational settings) retain limited privacy protections.
- Data Protection Compliance: The 2026 amendment aligns with GDPR, mandating that recordings be anonymized if shared publicly to avoid penalties from the Polish Data Protection Authority (UODO).
Failure to adhere may result in fines up to 50,000 PLN or criminal liability under Article 212 of the Criminal Code for defamation or Article 216 for unauthorized dissemination of personal data. Always verify local police directives during active operations.