Fla. city implements policy limiting ‘First Amendment auditors’ in PD station lobby

The new policy prohibits filming and recording in the DeLand Police Department station lobby; advocates say the rule will protect citizens who need to share sensitive information with police

April 09, 2024 12:49 PM

Fla. city implements policy limiting ‘First Amendment auditors’ in PD station lobby — City Attorney Darren Elkind told commissioners that, while the law does allow for the recording of public employees servicing private citizens in public spaces, “We believe there is also some expectation of privacy when they are dealing with public employees, including if people are reporting crimes of a sensitive nature,” according to the report.

By Joanna Putman
Police1

DELAND, Fla. — DeLand city officials have implemented a policy to stop the recording of private citizens and public officers within the lobby of the DeLand Police Department, the Daytona Beach News-Journal reported.

The DeLand City Commission unanimously approved the measure, aiming to protect the privacy of individuals who are reporting crimes or requesting records, according to the report.

City Attorney Darren Elkind told commissioners that, while the law does allow for the recording of public employees servicing private citizens in public spaces, “We believe there is also some expectation of privacy when they are dealing with public employees, including if people are reporting crimes of a sensitive nature,” according to the report.

The policy reflects a broader challenge of balancing First Amendment rights with privacy concerns, as cities like Daytona Beach and Ormond Beach grapple with similar issues related to “First Amendment audits.” Critics argue these audits can be invasive and provoke unnecessary confrontations, while supporters see them as a form of activism, according to the report.