Award-winning journalist arrested by Charleston cops

[Hoosier Daddy]

Give it up, Jerry. You're busted.

[CoolBreeze]

Funny... I was thinking the exact same thing about you!

[AmpedNow]

It's paranoia gone mad. I got accused of taking pictures with my iPhone of some guy's kid while I was at the Huntington Mall sitting in Big Loafer waiting on food. Only problem is that I don't have any pictures of humans on the phone -- some cat macros, but nothing human. So I told the jerk to go get a warrant or a cop and I'd talk to them... yeah, probably lucky I didn't get my ass kicked, but ya know, it's not a crime to sit there holding a phone and checking email, which is what I was doing.

We're still fucking doomed.

[cgarison]

Ummm... did you miss the first page? I posted all that there.

Any photographer who has been illegally arrested for taking legal photos SHOULD sue. That's very important to freedom of the press, and I will let you take that up with them.

As far as the "internal investigation", I honestly hope that the cop was right, because I hate it when they are wrong. On the other other hand, my POINT stands.... we're too damned paranoid today.

1.) There is more to the story than what we have heard. Trust me on this.

2.) The guy had a point and shoot. Not a mid range HD Video camera or a prosumer level DSLR.

I have to say that I have been questioned by rent-a-cops in Philly on a few occasions about why I am taking pictures at a mall, a street in front of a store, or even a parking lot filled with cars. I explain that I am working on a photography assignment for a project and need a picture of a view of whatever I am taking to for a particular shot for the not for profit, art portfolio that is being prepared.

Jerry, you have to admit that it help when you are taking pictures to explain what you are doing is not "pedophilia" or preparing for a crime to take place when you are laying on the ground, in an awkward position holding a piece of photography kit that is worth more than the rent-a-cops yearly salary. And most do not question your authourity as a pro when you are using a pair of 580EXII Speedlites for fill in flash work in daylight and a 5D with Battery grip. And when walking around in a public place that has photographers and you have a lens with the red racing stripe on it, you will be more embarrased by those guys announcing the level of kit you own to the world than any cop that would see you as a wierdo.

But I have to admit that I am an addict and need help with my desires to acquire as much Canon "L" glass as I can.

[CoolBreeze]

Where am I losing you guys? The guy had a pocket camera because he was a SHOPPER. SHOPPERS take photos all the time now days. The reason he was approached was because he was a MAN. A woman would have NEVER been approached. The reason he was approached was because he had NO KIDS with him. A man WITH KIDS would have never been approached. That's it in a nutshell. And I agree that a SINGLE MAN taking photos of kids in suspicious places may be cause for investigation. But this was a crowded Mall at wintertime and the guy was on the second floor shooting down (not that I would care if he were right in front of the Santa scene because THAT IS A PHOTO OP.) Again, look at all the photos RIGHT NOW of local kids on the verious websites and you'll see that this guy was targeted. Heard of DWB? (Driving while Black) This was a case of PWM. (Photographing while male).

I've owned or tried all the hot cameras. Nikon, Cannons, Fuji. I personally think that nothing comes close to the Fuji S-2 or S-3. If you want "realistic photo", grab the Nikon or Cannon. If you want beautiful photos, it's the Fuji. My Nikon is my workhouse camera for everyday news type shots, while my Fuji is for something much more special.

[Hoosier Daddy]

Now you're getting somewhere, Jerry.

[cgarison]

This was a case of PWM. (Photographing while male).

I have to say that is the part that is the most scary especially when shooting pool parties or block parties. Dirty minded people always think that if you have a camera, you are up to something.

BTW, I have heard awsome feedback on the whole line of Fuji cameras from the prosumer to the professional. My friends that have them swear by them.

It is a shame that they only use a Nikkor F Mount and do not have a model compatible with Canon, but that is probably Canon does not want the competition.

[CoolBreeze]

I also have a Fuji F-30 and 31 pocket camera. They sold for $250 to $350. Now, IF you can find a new one, expect to pay $600 to $800. Used ones at reputable camera shops average $400 to $500.

Have you EVER heard anything like that?

Here's why:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fujifilm_FinePix_F-series

Here's a photo I shot at midnight through 2 panes of glass... HAND HELD:

[cgarison]

It makes sense. The Canon DSLRs with Digic II processors manufactured 4 years ago hold at 50% of their original values. The newer Digic III models have dropped to much lower levels.

FWIW, I have 2 Digic II cameras and 1 Digic III. It was after I made the mistake of purchasing a newer model was I scrambling to get my hands on an older model body. I still peruse camera stores hunting for a give away price on a 1Ds Mark II but I can purchase the Mark III for about the same price. I am waiting to see how the Digic IV plays out before moving to the 5D Mark II.

[Lester]

Real simple... You don't know if he was *ACTING* suspicious.

Go into a retail store... start skulking around, zip your jacket up at weird times, just act strange for awhile.

You're not doing anything wrong, but odds are you're going to hear (at a minimum) a radio call go out to watch whatever section you're in. If you do a really good job, you might even get stopped on your way out of the store... BUT YOU'VE DONE NOTHING WRONG!

Seeing as this guy has already made a chunk of change from a lawsuit over this exact same topic, it was in his best interest to look suspicious. Seeing as what he was doing is allowed by the mall (as a customer) one must ask what *HE* did to stand out from the crowd of hundreds (or thousands) that have photographed there with no issues.

Tell me, does that Fuji work well with one hand jammed in your pocket?

[CoolBreeze]

Good grief....

Yea... that was his plan: Go to Charleston WV because we're world renown for frivolous lawsuits that can be won here at the drop of a hat. That money he won back in 1995 has probably dried up by now and he needs another sucker lawsuit. So he purposely acted suspicious in the hopes that he'd be arrested on false charges, sue, and win a bushel of money. Yea... that's the ticket... makes perfect sense.

[CoolBreeze]

It makes sense. The Canon DSLRs with Digic II processors manufactured 4 years ago hold at 50% of their original values. The newer Digic III models have dropped to much lower levels.

Lots of cameras hold half their value, but I have NEVER heard of a camera GAINING in value in just a couple of years. I've never heard of a USED camera costing more than a new one either in that short a time.

[Lester]

Good grief....

Yea... that was his plan: Go to Charleston WV because we're world renown for frivolous lawsuits that can be won here at the drop of a hat. That money he won back in 1995 has probably dried up by now and he needs another sucker lawsuit. So he purposely acted suspicious in the hopes that he'd be arrested on false charges, sue, and win a bushel of money. Yea... that's the ticket... makes perfect sense.

That doesn't answer my question... Was he acting outside the norm for the hundreds that have taken photos at that mall with no incident?

[CoolBreeze]

It's pretty obvious from the news report that as a "single man with no children", that in itself was enough to call Homeland Security in this day and age.

[Hoosier Daddy]

I'm still waiting to hear "the rest of the story" from the investigation before passing judgment.

[Bob Campbell]

I'm about ready to elevate this story to "WV Myth" status, like the Mothman. It's the Photogman.
Can't wait for the Richard Gere movie.

[CoolBreeze]

CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- The video journalist arrested by Charleston Police after he took pictures of Santa Claus and a choir at the Town Center Mall said he filed a complaint with the department about the incident but that he just wants the charges dropped.

"I told them there was a window of opportunity for them to drop all charges and that we'll go from there. The longer this goes on the harder it is. You get lawyers involved. ... Basically, I'm innocent of all charges."

"I have zero interest in taking one dime from the taxpayers of West Virginia," Rensberger said. "If a jury awards any money, I'll donate every dime I win to some organization in Charleston. ... If the mall is guilty, that might be a different matter. I don't know what I would do with that."

Rensberger said he just wants the charges dropped and for the situation to be over.

"They know they're wrong and I want the charges dropped," he said. "The more this goes on and the more I have to defend myself, the harder it is to be nice to the police department."

Rensberger said he believes Basford's arrest was unlawful. He said he was never read his rights.

http://www.wvgazette.com/News/200912140585

[Lester]

The last time I checked, you don't have to be read your rights... that's only necessary if the popo wants their questioning of you to stand up in court. If he wasn't questioned, there is no need for rights advisement. (I could be wrong on that... HD, can you clarify?)

And he slapped the hand of a cop AS HE WAS TRYING TO TAKE HIS PICTURE?!?

Hallburn Jr. at work.

[AmpedNow]

It's pretty obvious from the news report that as a "single man with no children", that in itself was enough to call Homeland Security in this day and age.

This is the subtext of this story.

"Suspicious actions" or not, put a woman or family guy in the exact same situation, and see if things go this far.

[Hoosier Daddy]

The last time I checked, you don't have to be read your rights... that's only necessary if the popo wants their questioning of you to stand up in court. If he wasn't questioned, there is no need for rights advisement. (I could be wrong on that... HD, can you clarify?)

You are correct. In this case, he was arrested for taking a swipe at the officer and struggling while being arrested. The police officer witnessed the violations. There are no questions to ask at this point. Too many people watch TV and fancy themselves as shithouse lawyers. If he had been located five hours later at a motel and the cops wanted to question him about taking pictures at the mall, they would need to advise him of his Miranda rights, because he may want to consult a lawyer first and have the lawyer present while being questioned, and he needs to understand that he would be under no obligation to answer potentially incriminating questions now or later. None of that applies to assaulting an officer and resisting arrest.

Hallburn Jr. at work.

Absolutely. I don't like how this guy is playing the whole Mister Cool thing of "I'll be happy if you just drop the criminal charges, because I don't want to do what I just might do and that's get a lawyer and sue your asses off." That line just screams he's an experienced player of the system and this isn't his first showdown with The Man. Cops hear that line about "you don't know who you're messing with ... I'll OWN that badge and have your job..." all the time. I say let The Award Winning Photojournalist explain to a judge why he tried to strike a police officer then struggled with officers while being arrested. Let him take his lumps in the criminal justice system before deciding he wants to own the Charleston Police Department.

This guy seems to be suffering from the "You just don't know how important I am" syndrome.