Your rights When you are lawfully present in any public space, you have the right to photograph anything in plain view, including federal buildings and the police. (On private property, the owner may set rules about photography or video.) However, they may order citizens to cease activities that are truly interfering with legitimate law enforcement operations. If you’re not under arrest, a law enforcement officer needs a warrant to confiscate your device or to view its contents without your consent. If you are arrested, an officer may take your phone but still needs a warrant to search its contents. The government may never delete your photographs or videos under any circumstances. If you are videotaping, be aware that there is an important legal distinction between a visual photographic record (fully protected) and the audio portion of a videotape, which some states have tried to regulate under state wiretapping laws. What to do if you are stopped or detained for taking photographs Always remain calm and never physically resist a police officer. Police cannot detain you without reasonable suspicion that you have or are about to commit a crime or are in the process of doing so. If you are stopped, ask the officer if you are free to leave. If the answer is yes, calmly walk away. If you are detained, ask the officer what crime you are suspected of committing, and remind the officer that taking photographs is your right under the First Amendment and does not constitute reasonable suspicion of criminal activity. What to do if you believe your rights have been violated When you can, write down everything you remember, including the officers’ badge and patrol car numbers and the agency they work for. Get contact information for witnesses. Take photographs of any injuries. Once you have all of this information, you can file a written complaint with the agency’s internal affairs division or civilian complaint board.
Ah, Edmonton. A city known for its chilly winters, warm-hearted residents, and, of course, the Edmonton Oilers. This past Saturday, however, the excitement of a home game at Rogers Place was mixed with a dose of activism as dozens of protesters gathered outside the arena. Their message? Loud and clear: “No means no” and “Drunk isn’t consent.” And they weren’t just there to ruffle some feathers; they were protesting the presence of Oilers’ new forward, Alex Formenton, who has faced serious allegations in the past.
Now, you might be wondering, why on Earth would a group of passionate fans decide to make their voices heard right before a hockey game? Well, in a world where sports often overshadow serious issues, this protest was a reminder that some topics are far too important to be relegated to the sidelines. The chants echoed through the air, competing with the pre-game hype, and it was hard not to feel the weight of their message.
For those who may not be familiar with the situation surrounding Formenton, let’s just say it’s not the kind of baggage you’d want to bring to a first home game. The allegations against him involve consent issues – a topic that, believe it or not, should be a no-brainer. But here we are, and the Oilers decided to bring him on board anyway.
The protesters were not just a handful of individuals; they were a collective voice of fans who felt that the organization’s decision to sign Formenton was a misstep. They aimed to raise awareness about issues of consent and accountability in sports. And let’s face it, if you can’t even get a hockey crowd to chant about consent, then where are we headed as a society?
As the Oilers prepared to hit the ice, the protesters stood firm, reminding everyone that they weren’t just there to enjoy the game but to advocate for a culture that respects individuals and their right to say “no.” It’s a powerful statement that resonates well beyond the rink – one that calls for change in a sport that has often turned a blind eye to serious allegations.
While some spectators may have rolled their eyes at the sight of protesters outside the arena, it’s crucial to recognize that these voices are part of a larger conversation about accountability in sports. It can be easy to dismiss such protests as a nuisance, especially when you just want to enjoy a hot dog and watch your favorite team play. But sometimes, the most important messages come at the most inconvenient times.
So, as the Oilers took to the ice, the protesters remained outside, reminding everyone that the real game is about respect, understanding, and a commitment to doing better. Let’s just hope the next time we see protesters outside a sporting event, it’s for something slightly less serious – like advocating for a new mascot or a change in the nacho cheese recipe. Until then, let’s all keep the conversation going, on and off the ice.
Inspired by: “Protesters gather in Edmonton before Oilers game” (r/Lifestyle)