Police harassment on New Jersey Transit
I do some railroad photography. Alot less than I used to. I've only
done photography on MTA railraods, usually just a few quick snapshots.
One time I was taking photos at a Long Island Railroad station and an
MTA police officer stopped and questioned me. First he said that
photos werent allowed, but after questioning, let me take them. I'm
not so much afraid of being questioned, as of being arrested or having
my camera seized.
I plan on taking a trip on NJT rail this fall to Short Hills. But when
I go I plan on getting a few pictures as I get off the train. But I'm
really worried about getting arrested or "robbed" by the police. I
know, if I feel that uncomfortable I shouldn't take the pictures. But
don't I have the right to take pictures? It is a public transit system
supposedly run BY US. Also, do cops really have the right to seize a
camera and arrest you for taking a photo?
Go to the website http://www.njtransit.com/ There you may find the
info you need. If not, email them. The last I heard a permis IS required
to take photos of trains and subways in both NY and NJ. If I remember
they are not cheap either. They also limit what you can take and where.
The permit is just another way to make money and the security concerns
were a way to implement the permits without raising too many eyebrows or
too much complaining.
With that said, whats to stop someone from using a cell phone camera?
Next we'll have to drop our cell phones off at the stations and pick up
others at the end of the line.....