How is that dumb?
It's a response to overzealous gestapo making up bogus rules. Since they don't know the rules and arbitrarily make them up, it seems like a perfect response to make up a bogus permit ID to comply with bogus imaginary laws.

The people who are attempting to enforce a "no-photo-zone" law aren't the brightest bulbs and probably have a bit of a power trip going on. When they realize that the ID is fake, expect a lot of fun.

dillenger69: It's a response to overzealous gestapo making up bogus rules. Since they don't know the rules and arbitrarily make them up, it seems like a perfect response to make up a bogus permit ID to comply with bogus imaginary laws.

Because the last thing you want to do is actually give these people a legitimate reason to arrest you. I promise you, flashing this card : will result in your arrest.

I'm sick to death of being treated like a criminal for using a camera bigger than a pack of cigarettes...this is not the solution.

Ennuipoet: dillenger69: It's a response to overzealous gestapo making up bogus rules. Since they don't know the rules and arbitrarily make them up, it seems like a perfect response to make up a bogus permit ID to comply with bogus imaginary laws.

Because the last thing you want to do is actually give these people a legitimate reason to arrest you. I promise you, flashing this card : will result in your arrest.

I'm sick to death of being treated like a criminal for using a camera bigger than a pack of cigarettes...this is not the solution.

^All of this. Yes, I agree overzealous security are a pain in the ass but forging Government documentation to get around them is not the right way to handle the issue at hand.

styckx

forging Government documentation

Forgery requires faking an original. Since there is no "DHS photo license", you cannot forge one.

I'm going to have to put one of these in my wallet just in case.

Marcus Aurelius: styckx

forging Government documentation

Forgery requires faking an original. Since there is no "DHS photo license", you cannot forge one.

I'm going to have to put one of these in my wallet just in case.

Very true was kind of misspoken there. I still don't think if caught with one of these you're gonna get a slap on the wrist and a unicorn for your troubles.

Marcus Aurelius: Forgery requires faking an original. Since there is no "DHS photo license", you cannot forge one.

The Law: (new window)(a) Whoever, in a circumstance described in subsection (c) of this section-
(1) knowingly and without lawful authority produces an identification document, authentication feature, or a false identification document;
(2) knowingly transfers an identification document, authentication feature, or a false identification document knowing that such document or feature was stolen or produced without lawful authority;
(3) knowingly possesses with intent to use unlawfully or transfer unlawfully five or more identification documents (other than those issued lawfully for the use of the possessor), authentication features, or false identification documents;
(4) knowingly possesses an identification document (other than one issued lawfully for the use of the possessor), authentication feature, or a false identification document, with the intent such document or feature be used to defraud the United States;
(5) knowingly produces, transfers, or possesses a document-making implement or authentication feature with the intent such document-making implement or authentication feature will be used in the production of a false identification document or another document-making implement or authentication feature which will be so used;
(6) knowingly possesses an identification document or authentication feature that is or appears to be an identification document or authentication feature of the United States or a sponsoring entity of an event designated as a special event of national significance which is stolen or produced without lawful authority knowing that such document or feature was stolen or produced without such authority;
(7) knowingly transfers, possesses, or uses, without lawful authority, a means of identification of another person with the intent to commit, or to aid or abet, or in connection with, any unlawful activity that constitutes a violation of Federal law, or that constitutes a felony under any applicable State or local law; or
(8) knowingly traffics in false or actual authentication features for use in false identification documents, document-making implements, or means of identification;

Well, there we go. So it technically is forgery. Besides a number of other things that will get you arrested. Like using a Government logo on a document for the sole purpose of getting around security and not actually endorsed by the government.

The best way to make sure you have no issues is, actually read the rules and regulations of the places you are planning to do photography.

Like Amtrak for instance defines this very well: Link (new window)

NJTransit in Jersey has a very well known policy allowing photography of their equipment, buses, and trains on their property as long as you follow safety rules and stay in public areas.

Check policies first, get a copy of policy and always keep it with you. It only takes a few minutes to read policies and print them.

styckx: Check policies first, get a copy of policy and always keep it with you. It only takes a few minutes to read policies and print them.

While this is sensible, isn't anybody annoyed that the photographer has to know the regulations because security doesn't?

Equally useful:



DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT

Red Fist Of Harmony: styckx: Check policies first, get a copy of policy and always keep it with you. It only takes a few minutes to read policies and print them.

While this is sensible, isn't anybody annoyed that the photographer has to know the regulations because security doesn't?

i am. then again, i'm equally annoyed when i'm covering an event for a promotional company or venue and people get pissed off when i take their picture. what, don't want to be seen with a drink in your hand? don't go out in farking public and drink

Marcus Aurelius: Forgery requires faking an original. Since there is no "DHS photo license", you cannot forge one.

False & very bad advice. In this case, the creation of any false document that appears to have been issued by the government is defined as forgery. A specific original document is superfluous to the forgery charge.

I had to do a triple take on that headline to make sure I was reading it right.

dillenger69: How is that dumb?
It's a response to overzealous gestapo making up bogus rules. Since they don't know the rules and arbitrarily make them up, it seems like a perfect response to make up a bogus permit ID to comply with bogus imaginary laws.

Well, it's dumb because photographing stuff in public isn't illegal. Forgery and impersonating government agents kind of is.

But don't take my word for it. Whip that bad boy out and see how fast the cuffs go on.

The best defense against overzealous cops has always been to speak calmly to them and know the law.

When I get hassled, as someone who looks as suspicious as I do does, I cooperate up to the point of handing over any property or erasing anything. I also ask to know which specific statute I violated so I can have my lawyer buddy bone up on it for when we meet again in court.

Be respectful, but firm. And remember that cops are lazy - if you make them think they will actually have to show up in court, they will roll over and go solve real crimes.

And for the love of all that is holy, do NOT commit a crime out of spite - that just gives them more ammunition to drive that thin blue wedge deeper into your freedoms.

Tag must be for subby. This is brilliant.

dbrian56: I had to do a triple take on that headline to make sure I was reading it right.

you were. it could use an apostrophe in week's - which probably caused your confusion

Marcus Aurelius: styckx

forging Government documentation

Forgery requires faking an original. Since there is no "DHS photo license", you cannot forge one.

I'm going to have to put one of these in my wallet just in case.

Next to your FIB badge?

Well, it has worked once or twice.

So just make it a facsimile, just don't put anything official on it. Make up your own government + logos. It isn't a U.S. Official identification. Just make sure it looks close 'at a glance'. If he wants to look at it, let him, it's just a piece of paper. You aren't using it(and shouldn't) to protect your reason for being there (to photograph or whatever), as that is protected under the u.s. constitution.

/depends more on the cop than the situation

Marcus Aurelius: styckx

forging Government documentation

Forgery requires faking an original. Since there is no "DHS photo license", you cannot forge one.

I'm going to have to put one of these in my wallet just in case.

While it may be true that you may not be breaking a specific law by creating one of these, it's still a great way to get tazed and detained overnight while they pretend to discover whether this card is really a crime or not. If you want to play games of who's a bigger smart-ass, you will lose against these people.

This weeks week's dumbest idea ever

Sorry, if you say something is dumb it might help your point to use correct grammar

/not usually a grammar Nazi

stpauler: The people who are attempting to enforce a "no-photo-zone" law aren't the brightest bulbs and probably have a bit of a power trip going on. When they realize that the ID is fake, expect a lot of fun.

Then they'll bust someone with a real ID and then expect even more fun.

Cuz you know some convoluted bureaucracy like DHS probably has ID's for this and that and the other thing.

Preferred Nomenclature: This weeks week's dumbest idea ever

Sorry, if you say something is dumb it might help your point to use correct grammar

/not usually a grammar Nazi

This would be the wrong time to start then, since you haven't quite figured out the language yourself.

I've been all over the U.S. (and lots of other countries) filming and taking various photos of all kinds of buildings, mass transit, military installations, military aircraft, vehicles and ships. I have never once been asked to stop taking photos or video, let alone turn over tapes or cards. About the worst that's happened to me is being stopped to ask if I have a film permit - and that usually only happens when I have a giant video camera set up in a big city. Whenever that situation arises, I simply say I'm not on a job, I'm just shooting for my own personal reel. That has happened in NYC and L.A., and I've never been told to stop shooting, because they can't prove I'm not telling the truth. That said, when I'm shooting for a job and it's obvious (multiple crew, grip, sound, etc) I jump through the hoops to get a permit first. It's easy - all they want is the money.

I'm not saying it doesn't happen to people, but I am saying I do it all the time with very obvious professional gear, and I've never had a hassle. Oh, and if you're stupid enough to print and carry one of these cards, you probably deserve to get your shiat taken away...

Problem: It uses the DHS name and logo. You're either looking at impersonating a federal officer (it looks like you're a DHS employee), or using the logo without permission. Either would be bad mojo for the jail-averse.

Solution: As far as photographer's rights, keep a copy of Bert P. Krages, Attourney at Law's "The Photographer's Right (new window)" printout in your camera bag.

Why it may be morally sound in that fictitious ID is the perfect poetic justice for the enforcing of fictitious laws, as has been mentioned it is hardly practically sound in that instead of a minor inconvenience you're getting your ass sent to jail.

you know some convoluted bureaucracy like DHS probably has ID's for this and that and the other thing

More likely: There's just one ID to which they add colored tabs or black out boxes or whatever.

What do you mean it's not real? I got it from the man from the Ministry of Housinge.

feanturi: Preferred Nomenclature: This weeks week's dumbest idea ever

Sorry, if you say something is dumb it might help your point to use correct grammar

/not usually a grammar Nazi

This would be the wrong time to start then, since you haven't quite figured out the language yourself.

Enlighten me, i did just wake up from a nap

I got a "Man From Uncle" card somewhere I should carry it.

My job requires taking photos in public places. I have almost had the cops called on me by a post office security guard and a garbageman at the dump. Why do they think a rural post office and the dump are terrorist targets?

Just print an official looking laminated card *without* government Logos that says something like:

Photographic Entitlement Card

The bearer of this card is legally entitled to take pictures
of or on any public property for which photography
has not been expressly forbidden by law, statute or ordinance.

Should the bearer be in violation of any such a law, statute or
ordinance, please provide the number or other identifying
nomination of said law, statute or ordinance so that the bearer
may communicate clearly with his legal representative
when seeking counsel.

Carry one of these, for all the good it will do you.

Fake License for a Fake Law.
Works

A better plan would be to let yourself get arrested and have your property taken, and then sue the officer.

Preferred Nomenclature: /not usually a grammar Nazi

Yeah, I don't remember you from any of the meetings. ;-)

Joe

Hollerin Charlie: Be respectful, but firm. And remember that cops are lazy - if you make them think they will actually have to show up in court, they will roll over and go solve real crimes.

Don't cops get paid overtime for showing up at court? Just saying from personal experience, even on weak charges if it means OT pay for the police, I bet a cop would show up in court.

I'd love to practice my PS skills on this 'card' but nowhere does it actually link to the said file, or at least nowhere that I can find...anyone wanna help a liter out?

/photographer
//ask me about my radioactive lenses

FlyingJellyAttackConfectionary: I'd love to practice my PS skills on this 'card' but nowhere does it actually link to the said file, or at least nowhere that I can find...anyone wanna help a liter out?

/photographer
//ask me about my radioactive lenses

How is babby radioactive lens formed?

I'd love to practice my PS skills on this 'card' but nowhere does it actually link to the said file, or at least nowhere that I can find...anyone wanna help a liter out?

Fire up PS and use the screen grabber. Duh.

This is a great idea, and the idiot submitter is an idiot.

skinink: Hollerin Charlie: Be respectful, but firm. And remember that cops are lazy - if you make them think they will actually have to show up in court, they will roll over and go solve real crimes.

Don't cops get paid overtime for showing up at court? Just saying from personal experience, even on weak charges if it means OT pay for the police, I bet a cop would show up in court.

This is quite true. Cops in my area make more in overtime, than their actual salary.

They love nothing more than having you contest a traffic ticket.
They get to sit in back for a few hours, drinking coffee, and hanging out with the guys, making time and a half.

Whether you win or lose your case, effects them in no way whatsoever.

Mayhem_2006: Just print an official looking laminated card *without* government Logos that says something like:

Photographic Entitlement Card

The bearer of this card is legally entitled to take pictures
of or on any public property for which photography
has not been expressly forbidden by law, statute or ordinance.

Should the bearer be in violation of any such a law, statute or
ordinance, please provide the number or other identifying
nomination of said law, statute or ordinance so that the bearer
may communicate clearly with his legal representative
when seeking counsel.

Now that isn't a half bad idea. Gives the cop something to examine while you book it. ;)

FlyingJellyAttackConfectionary: I'd love to practice my PS skills on this 'card' but nowhere does it actually link to the said file, or at least nowhere that I can find...anyone wanna help a liter out?

/photographer
//ask me about my radioactive lenses

they were linked here, but appear to have been removed. i can't imagine why

FTFH: This weeks dumbest idea ever:
This week's dumbest idea evar:

/FTFY
//Sorry, pet peeve, etc.

Has anyone else mentioned using this "ID" would be a great way to get arrested on a real charge? Yes? good.

God, this reminds me of the fake press pass I used to carry. That thing was awesome.