Crime
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Mehserle's Law
AKA The Camera Phone Predator Alert Act
Mehserle's Law is proposed legislation in the United States requiring law enforcement authorities (predators) to be notified that civilians are recording their activities.
SUMMARY AS OF: 1/9/2009--Introduced.
H.R.414 Camera Phone Predator Alert Act - Requires any mobile phone containing a digital camera to sound a tone whenever a photograph is taken with the camera's phone. Prohibits such a phone from being equipped with a means of disabling or silencing the tone. Treats the requirement as a consumer product safety standard and requires enforcement by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
History
Mehserle's Law was introduced by Rep. Peter T. King a week after police officer Johannes Mehserle shot a 22-year-old on a BART station platform. This shooting (the execution of Oscar Grant) was captured on multiple cell phone cameras.
At least two of the police officers involved in the execution did not know they were being filmed. These videos were subsequently made available on the internet. Riots ensued.
Purpose
This legislation will give police the tools necessary to maintain the common weal as well as ensure officer safety. It will protect police officers from being exploited without their knowledge.
A Growing Problem
As technology advances, the number of "copwatchers" increases. In 2001, when 19-year-old Jerrold Cornelius a was shot in the back of the head by BART police, camera/video phones were scarce. The first day of 2009, thousands of people would soon see officer Tony Pirone knock Oscar Grant to the ground and hold Grant while Mehserle delivers the fatal shot.
This undermines confidence in the government's ability to maintain control and displeases the Great Leader Obama.
Benefits to Law Enforcement
If a suspect is taking pictures and police don't hear the CPSC mandated tone, there is probable cause to belive a crime has been commited.
