Arizona curbs taping of cops

Arizona’s governor has approved a bill that bars civilians from recording video of police officers from a close distance.

The measure, signed by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey on Wednesday and set to take effect in September, makes it illegal to tape police officers eight feet or closer without a cop’s permission.

Flouting the law is a misdemeanor that would likely draw a fine but no jail time.

Republican state Rep. John Kavanagh, the bill’s sponsor, said a law was necessary to protect police from those who “either have very poor judgment or sinister motives.”

“I’m pleased that a very reasonable law that promotes the safety of police officers and those involved in police stops and bystanders has been signed into law,” he said Friday.

“It promotes everybody’s safety yet still allows people to reasonably videotape police activity, as is their right.”

Kavanagh, who was a police officer for 20 years, tweaked the legislation so it applies to certain types of law-enforcement actions, including the questioning of suspects and encounters involving mental or behavioral health issues.

The law also makes exceptions for people who are the direct subject of police interaction.

They are permitted to film as long as they are not being arrested or searched. Someone who is in a car stopped by police or is being questioned is also allowed to record the interaction.

In New York, Mayor Adams recently ripped civilians who film NYPD officers arresting lawbreakers from a close distance.

The measure comes about a year after the federal Department of Justice began a probe into the Phoenix police to determine if officers have been using excessive force and abusing the homeless.