Results 1 to 9 of 9
  1. #1

    Default Videotaping In A Public Place

    My question involves criminal law for the state of: Pennsylvania

    Is it illegal to video tape someone in a public place in the state of Pennsylvania?

    Here are the circumstances: Someone I know is on SSDI, and also collects welfare and food stamps. They make a living working for cash at various carnivals and fairs over the summer, and do not report the money they make to the DPW or any work activity to the SSA.

    If I make a video of this person and submit it to the OIG, can I be charged with stalking, wiretapping, or anything else?

    This would be at a carnival, very public, so I don't see any expectations of privacy. The only expectation is---they don't expect to be caught!

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: Video Taping In A Puble

    I haven't looked for the specifics but the general rule is you can photograph or video a person in public. What may be a problem is recording their conversation. Not sure what would be legal regarding this.

    You need to realize that "at a carnival" is not neccessarily "in the public eye". The venue may not be public property ,even if it is actual public property as it may be rented by the operators of the carnival and as such, the exception based upon that rule may not apply.

    The greater question begging is; why are you doing this? Why do you not simply call up the appropriate agency and report this violation? Although most states are greatly understaffed, it is their job to investigate possible fraud.

  3. #3

    Default Re: Video Taping In A Puble

    Quote Quoting jk
    View Post
    The greater question begging is; why are you doing this? Why do you not simply call up the appropriate agency and report this violation? Although most states are greatly understaffed, it is their job to investigate possible fraud.
    Why am I doing this? For starters, why not? Secondly, this person is committing several crimes at state and federal levels. This is someone who has made a life career out of scamming every agency, charity, and person they ever came in contact with. As to just making a report? Done that. What became of it? Absolutely zero.

    This is about someone who actually brags to everyone how good they are at cheating the system. How they faked a workman's comp claim and got a settlement. How when that money dried up, they moved on to scamming welfare for food stamps, and SSA to get on disability.

    SSA? They do a review every seven years. The disability(s) are dormant right up to the day of review, and guess what....the "disability(s)" miraculously come back worse that ever. DPW? I can tell you right now that they don't and won't check a damn thing because this person is "Categorically Eligible" therefore---no questions asked.

    What are the disabilities? Hmmm let's go down the list.

    1. Carpal tunnel and tendonitis in both arms. Diagnosis made on symptom complaints and cannot be medically proven or more importantly DISPROVEN. This is what the basis was wayyyyy back in the beginning to scam an employer for a workman's comp settlement.
    2. PTSD. That one is in regards to alleged sexual abuse as a child. Suppressed memories that emerged while applying for SSDI. Again something with made up claims and no proof required.
    3. Bipolar Disorder. This one was a must have to clinch the disability claim. How does one get diagnosed with bipolar? Easy, have a break down of some kind, check in to a mental hospital for two weeks, and answer "yes" to every question the doctor asks that leads to a bipolar diagnosis. Oh, and they do check your blood work periodically, so make sure you take double dosage of your meds the week or so prior to testing. The excess meds you never took all along can be sold off to your pill popping friends.
    4. Stroke. This is my favorite one. A brain scan was done like 20 years ago. The findings were that an area of the brain had "stroke-like" spots on it. The doctors said that the damage appeared very old. Old enough in fact that they were most likely present since birth, and nothing "recent" had taken place. Also, I might add, no stroke-like symptoms were currently present, and no stroke-like symptoms were ever noticed in the past.
    5. Social Anxiety Disorder. This is where claims are made that you cannot function or interact with the public at a normal level.

    So with all those things, that is how this person got on SSDI. It took years of applying and being turned down until that precious day of the appeal hearing. That is the day when this person told all of us (with a smile on their face, and dollar signs in their eyes) that they were going to go in front of a judge and ACT LIKE A RETARD. (Also, make sure your lawyer is in on it so they can claim their piece of the pie.)

    Now, how does a person like that remain on disability? Oh so simple my friends...you sit in a chair in a catatonic state for a while, try to stand up and repeatedly fall, try to speak but very few words come out, and those that do, are slurred and incoherent. Be admitted to the hospital for a week while they run a battery of tests on you (even though they don't find anything new). Most importantly do this right before your review to continue benefits. Once you are in the clear by social security, resume your life as though nothing happened because you have another 7 years before it's time to put on your next act.

    How do I know all these things are faked? Because I am IN-THE-KNOW! I know this person, and have known this person for over 25 years. This person has confided in me their most diabolical deeds. That is how I know. I am personally sick of it all. We are all astounded that this has gone on as long as it has without being found out.

    The video is an attempt to open some agency's eyes because none of us think that any of them care. If we can prove a violation of this person working and not reporting their work activity that maybe, just maybe it will get the ball rolling into a full blown investigation. Disproving all or any of those disabilities we know is probably impossible. What we CAN prove is that this person is concealing their ability to work, the work activity itself, and a conscious effort by this person to commit fraud. Myself, as well as others, are willing to testify in court that this person makes arrangements to work cash-only jobs, with the condition that if anyone comes around asking, they are doing volunteer work and not getting paid for it.

    Oh, and we do not intend on recording any personal conversations, only video from a distance. This is just the tip of the iceberg. (Working in a public setting is the only one we hope can be video taped legally.)

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jan 2006
    Posts
    38,867

    Default Re: Video Taping In A Public Place

    well, thanks for your tenacity. Regardless of your motives, I do hope you are successful if things are as you say. I do not appreciate paying taxes to support those that are defrauding the government to get my money.

    I do not have anymore direction to aid you but keep checking back. Maybe somebody else will be able to help.

  5. #5

    Default Re: Video Taping In A Public Place

    I wonder if Sociopaths qualify for SSDI, because that would explain everything.

    Profile of the Sociopath

    *Glibness and Superficial Charm


    *Manipulative and Conning
    They never recognize the rights of others and see their self-serving behaviors as permissible. They appear to be charming, yet are covertly hostile and domineering, seeing their victim as merely an instrument to be used. They may dominate and humiliate their victims.


    *Grandiose Sense of Self
    Feels entitled to certain things as "their right."


    *Pathological Lying
    Has no problem lying coolly and easily and it is almost impossible for them to be truthful on a consistent basis. Can create, and get caught up in, a complex belief about their own powers and abilities. Extremely convincing and even able to pass lie detector tests.


    *Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt
    A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.


    *Shallow Emotions
    When they show what seems to be warmth, joy, love and compassion it is more feigned than experienced and serves an ulterior motive. Outraged by insignificant matters, yet remaining unmoved and cold by what would upset a normal person. Since they are not genuine, neither are their promises.


    *Incapacity for Love


    *Need for Stimulation
    Living on the edge. Verbal outbursts and physical punishments are normal. Promiscuity and gambling are common.


    *Callousness/Lack of Empathy
    Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them.


    *Poor Behavioral Controls/Impulsive Nature
    Rage and abuse, alternating with small expressions of love and approval produce an addictive cycle for abuser and abused, as well as creating hopelessness in the victim. Believe they are all-powerful, all-knowing, entitled to every wish, no sense of personal boundaries, no concern for their impact on others.


    *Early Behavior Problems/Juvenile Delinquency
    Usually has a history of behavioral and academic difficulties, yet "gets by" by conning others. Problems in making and keeping friends; aberrant behaviors such as cruelty to people or animals, stealing, etc.


    *Irresponsibility/Unreliability
    Not concerned about wrecking others' lives and dreams. Oblivious or indifferent to the devastation they cause. Does not accept blame themselves, but blames others, even for acts they obviously committed.


    *Promiscuous Sexual Behavior/Infidelity
    Promiscuity, child sexual abuse, rape and sexual acting out of all sorts.


    *Lack of Realistic Life Plan/Parasitic Lifestyle
    Tends to move around a lot or makes all encompassing promises for the future, poor work ethic but exploits others effectively.


    *Criminal or Entrepreneurial Versatility
    Changes their image as needed to avoid prosecution. Changes life story readily.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Posts
    9,096

    Default Re: Video Taping In A Public Place

    On a personal note, it sounds like you are way too personally invested in this.

    I, too, hate waste in the system.

    However, that old adage comes to mind... when you go hunting for vengence, you should begin by digging two graves.

  7. #7

    Default Re: Video Taping In A Public Place

    Apparently questioning one's motives supercedes getting an answer. I don't remember that being a prerequisite to posting a question.

    Perhaps the phrase "My motives are _______", should come immediately after "My question involves ________, in the state of ________".

    If I expected those responses, I would have just written Dear Abby.

    See, these types of responses only reinforce my belief that "if it doens't affect me, then who cares". If the average person has the attitude of live-and-let-live, and why-do-you-care, then filing a complaint with a government agency will probably yield the same result. After all, they are people too.

    I guess I don't have a valid legal question after all. Maybe this should all get moved to the bitch and moan section.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    5

    Default Re: Videotaping In A Public Place

    Ithink those that responded did in a very fair way. You seem to be exposing your self quite a bit with your last post. I doubt that the others will respond again.

    A guy that was in prison once told me a phrase the prison told him.: "You keep doing what you are doing; then you will keep getting what you are getting."

    I suggest you just let this go by and go out and help someone that needs help. It sure gives a body a warm feeling to help a deserving person.

    In the event you cannot let this go then make the call on them and go on with life.

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2005
    Location
    Michigan
    Posts
    28,906

    Default Re: Videotaping In A Public Place

    Does the carnival permit videotaping? Their policy doesn't make it unlawful to videotape, but it might result in your being refused admission with a video camera, or being ejected once you bring out your camera. And they can ask you to stop videotaping. Beyond that, jk seemed to cover the primary issues, up front.

    1. Sponsored Links
       

Similar Threads

  1. Disorderly Conduct: Urinating on Public Place in Missouri
    By ladolora in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 06-04-2009, 12:05 AM
  2. Drug Possession: Possession of Marijuana in Public Place
    By Doitright in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 02-06-2009, 09:37 AM
  3. Student Privacy: Videotaping Public School Events
    By Black Lab in forum Education Law
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 10-01-2008, 05:11 PM
  4. Public Intoxication: Drunk in Public Place
    By animosity in forum Criminal Charges
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 09-15-2008, 08:35 PM
  5. Almost Arrested for Videotaping the Police in Public
    By Maxima Lover in forum Police Investigations
    Replies: 94
    Last Post: 03-25-2007, 05:47 AM
 
 
Sponsored Links

Legal Help, Information and Resources