Temple University Journalism Student Arrested

The Associated Press has reported that Temple University photojournalism student Ian Van Kuyk was arrested on March 14, 2012, while taking photos outside of his residence. Uniformed police officers from the city of Philadelphia were performing a routine traffic stop at the time of the arrest.

Additionally, Van Kuyk’s girlfriend, Megan Feighan, attempted to retrieve his camera as he was being arrested and was also detained. Both the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press and the National Press Photographers Association have gotten involved now.

The Philadelphia police department issued a memo in in September regarding, “Pictures, Video, and Audio Recordings of Police Officers While Performing Official Functions in Public Spaces.” The first section of the policy states:

All police personnel, while conducting official business or while acting in an official capacity in any public space, should reasonably anticipate and expect to be photographed, videotaped and/or be audibly recorded by members of the general public or individuals temporarily detained.

The police department has declined comment stating it is an on-going internal investigation.

(Thanks to Allison Love for the link to the AP story.)