What law allows a reporter to be arrested for trespassing?

Question

While watching the DNC coverage I saw a reporter for a major network confronted by a police officer, and told he had to leave a public sidewalk. He was not talking to the people, just photographing the people going into a party. Then, he was arrested for trespassing, cuffed, and hauled away. What law did this man break, and why was the officer immediately confrontational, even pushing the reporter into traffic.

Answer 1

The "Don't you know better than to try to report the 'real' story of how the rich are really buying politicians?" law.

This was an interesting piece that was given on World New Tonight with Peter Jennings yesterday.

Those who use their tricks to abuse power in their circles think that it works like that everywhere.

I wonder what would have happened if the reported fell & was run over in the middle of the street?  We might have never seen this story, because those policemen would have confiscated the camera and made up a different story.

You gave a good question!!!

Answer 2

I guess because Presidential candidates aren't the equivalent to Hollywood's best-and-worst-dressed list

Answer 3

The cop was confrontational because he was what we like to call a d**k.

The same laws that enable you to be arrested for trespassing apply to reporters too.

He probably wasnt on public property OR he posed a security threat and they didnt want him around.

They tend to make public property temporarily private property for functions like the DNC or sporting events.. basically anything that would require more space than is provided.

Either way I dont like cops that are *****, no offense to any cops that may read that are probably arent *****. I just think it sucks that its a 50/50 shot when you have a police officer approach you and your either going to get the third degree or your going to get someone thats at least cool about it.

Answer 4

don't know that the actual law is but usually reporter have to be in certain places during such events and if they don't comply then they get arrested..it seems like the police officer was very agressive but I guess due to the fact it was the DNC..they are on guard for anything..

Answer 5

The sidewalk may have not been public.

In some cities all the land is private land thus no public spaces, some cities are completely private where everything from the sidewalks to parks are owned by someone and they can choose to let you in or not or can tell you to leave anytime they wish.

or he could have stepped on someones property such as the grass beside the sidewalk

The city may had a law about filming people without there explicit consent and may have been arrested for that.

Or that sidewalk may have been private and not public property there are lots of places where people install there own sidewalks and cities and towns have nothing to do with it.

For the reason of this I dont know it could be one of those or not I would have to check the laws there.

Answer 6

I think you would have to ask the police officer what law the man broke and why he was "immediately confrontational".  The reporter may have done something that you did not see on camera or perhaps they had previously had trouble with him trying to do something he was not allowed to do.  

I work in downtown Denver, and I am thankful for the police diligence in protecting not only me and other citizens during the convention, but also for protecting the delegates and the candidates.  In my opinion they did an outstanding job with security.   Kudos to the police department and the sheriff's office and even the private security employees for all their hard work under difficult circumstances!  Although there was an obvious police presence, we were able to conduct "business as usual" without interruption.