Yes, filming police officers in Vermont is generally legal under the First Amendment, provided it does not interfere with their duties. Vermont’s open-records laws and case law, including State v. Rossetti (2017), affirm the public’s right to record police in public spaces. However, obstruction or harassment may lead to charges under 13 V.S.A. § 1027. Local departments, such as the Burlington Police Department, have adapted policies post-2023 to align with state guidance on non-interference.
Key Regulations for Filming Police Officers in Vermont
- Public Space Recording: Filming from sidewalks, parks, or other public areas is permitted as long as it does not obstruct police actions. Vermont’s Public Records Act (1 V.S.A. § 317) supports transparency, but agencies may redact footage if it compromises investigations.
- Interference Prohibited: Under 20 V.S.A. § 2358, intentionally blocking or disrupting police operations—even with a camera—can result in misdemeanor charges. Vermont courts have upheld this in cases involving active crime scenes.
- Audio Recording Restrictions: Vermont is a two-party consent state (13 V.S.A. § 1232). Recording audio without the officer’s knowledge may violate wiretapping laws, though courts have carved out exceptions for public officials in performance of duty.