Welcome to Citizen Observer Perth

Welcome to Citizen Observer Perth.

I am a keen photographer and videographer located in Perth, Western Australia and I usually carry my camera around with me on my travels to capture anything from nature scenery to cityscapes.

I am also a community-minded citizen and an interested and engaged observer of what occurs in society and the world and on occasion I have filmed newsworthy events of public interest including police and emergency incidents in a responsible and unobstructive manner.

What prompted me to create this video channel and associated website is that I am concerned about the lack of consistency in knowledge between various police officers in Western Australia in regards to the legality of public photography and videography.

For example, some police officers I have interacted with are well-trained and well-versed on the subject and act in a professional and courteous manner, whilst others try to incorrectly claim that public photography and videography and the filming of police and emergency incidents is illegal. On occasion they have acted in an aggressive and bullying manner and have even threatened charges and confiscation of equipment.

In their media statements the police often appeal for members of the public to come forward with dashcam or other video footage of incidents so that the footage can be used to assist them in their investigations. As this is the case the police officers who claim that public photography and videography is illegal and harass members of the public engaged in the activity are obviously incorrect and are not acting within the law. Their lack of knowledge in this area is concerning and it needs to be addressed and rectified.

Public photography and videography is not a crime. A citizen has the same right as any media outlet to engage in public photography and videography including gathering footage of newsworthy events of public interest including police and emergency incidents. If this was not the case media outlets and the contractors who gather footage for them would not be able to perform their jobs.

I believe we must support and acknowledge good policing as the police and citizens must work positively together in cooperation – one cannot act in isolation of the other. On the other hand we must also defend our rights and make a stand against poor policing when it occurs.

This video channel and associated website aims to educate citizens as well as police officers and public servants on the legality of public photography and videography and encourages responsible news gathering and independent citizen journalism. Furthermore it aims to promote transparency and accountability within our government to ensure that all public servants within Western Australia respect the rights of citizens and treat citizens with courtesy and respect when engaged in lawful activities.

Please visit citizenobserverperth.com for further information.