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Jeff, who lives in Florida, noticed a police command bus filling up at a local gas station and decided to take some video of this monstrous machine. He later contacted CopBlock.org and had this to say about the video he took:

While trying to get some video of a Florida Highway Patrol mobile command vehicle I was confronted by two Florida State Highway troopers. The Troopers told me that I could not film their top secrete vehicle even though you can view pictures this same vehicle at the FHP website . When I mentioned that this was a first amendment issue, Trooper (badge #2154) told me “it doesn’t matter”. When I pointed out that he could not “SNATCH” my camera without a warrant #2154 again said “it doesn’t matter”. So the first and fourth amendments don’t matter to Trooper #2154! Luckily an FHP Sargent pulled into the gas station and after a brief explanation the Sargent straightened things out for me.

Yes, Jeff was lucky that one Florida Trooper knew that filming police in public space is NOT a crime. Yet, the video highlights (again) the attitude of police when being filmed. The trooper may have used the excuse that he didn’t want the command center photographed but in reality he was only worried about himself being recorded. As most cops do because they know people are watching and not happy with the service provided by such folks.