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Emergency

Filming a police operation: what is allowed and what is not

Filming police operations in public space is a delicate topic. Pure video recordings are permitted in many situations; what becomes problematic above all is the secret audio recording of the spoken word, it can be punishable. Anyone who wants to document should know the limits and not obstruct operations.

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Pure video recordings of operations in public space are permitted in many cases, as long as you do not obstruct the operation. But a publication can touch on the personality rights of those involved.
Delicate is the audio recording: the unauthorized recording of the non-publicly spoken word can be punishable (§ 201 StGB). Whether an operational conversation counts as 'non-public' is disputed, be careful here.

What you should do now

  1. 1

    1. Keep your distance

    Document from a distance and do not obstruct the operation, otherwise an eviction order or a complaint looms.

  2. 2

    2. Consider audio

    Be restrained with audio recordings; recording the spoken word is legally risky.

  3. 3

    3. Secure recordings

    If you secure something for documentation (e.g. with disproportionate conduct), keep it carefully.

  4. 4

    4. Check publication

    Before publishing, observe personality rights (make faces unrecognizable if necessary).

How to spot the scam

  • You get so close that you obstruct the operation.
  • You deliberately record conversations of the officers secretly.
  • You publish recordings with recognizable people without checking.

Frequently asked questions

May I film the police?

Pure video recordings of operations in public space are permitted in many situations, as long as you do not disturb or obstruct the operation. A later publication, however, can touch on the personality rights of those involved.

Is the audio recording allowed?

Here caution is advised. The unauthorized recording of the non-publicly spoken word can be punishable (§ 201 StGB). Whether an operational conversation is 'non-public' is disputed. Avoid secret audio recordings so as not to take any risk.

What if the police want to stop the filming?

Do not obstruct the operation and do not blindly follow unlawful, but also no dangerous instructions. If you consider conduct impermissible, document it from a distance and have the legal situation reviewed by a lawyer later, instead of escalating on the spot.

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General information for self-help, not legal advice (RDG). In case of a high loss or uncertainty: contact a consumer advice center or a lawyer.