
Quoting
PTPD22
However, to expand a little on what cdwjava said, whether a person is obstructing, hindering, or delaying the officer is up to the perception of the OFFICER, not the person recording. Cops may well have safety concerns that are not immediately obvious to the amateur cameraman. It is not a good idea to argue or refuse because you disagree with the officer's perception. Generally, a cop cannot legally tell you to stop recording. However, the cop will be well within his/her rights to dictate where you can stand (don't move behind me, stand where I can see your hands, don't go near the car door, etc.) and how close you can get. Even demanding that you stay 30+ yards away could well be reasonable (presuming the person recording is not the same person who the officer is dealing with). If you ARE the person the cop is dealing with, the cop will be well within reason to tell you to put the cellphone/camera down if it is interfering with your ability to timely provide your license, registration, etc. Generally speaking, while it is legal for you to play cameraman, it is also legal for the cop to play director.