In today’s world, where everyone has a camera in their pocket, the question of whether filming law enforcement is legal is increasingly relevant. During traffic stops, detentions, or simple interactions with patrol officers, citizens often turn on their cameras to document the police’s actions. But is that legal? What rights and restrictions do ordinary people have in 2025 when it comes to recording the police?
The Baltimore Chronicle explores the current legislation and legal practice in detail.
Legal Framework: What the Law Says in 2025
According to the Constitution of Ukraine and the Law “On the National Police,” every citizen has the right to record the actions of public officials if it does not violate the rights of others. Police officers perform public functions, meaning they do not have full rights to privacy while on duty.
Key laws governing police video recording:
- Constitution of Ukraine (Article 34 – freedom of information)
- Law “On Information”
- Law “On Personal Data Protection”
- Law “On the National Police”
In 2025, updates to these laws clearly state: a citizen has the right to film public actions of police officers, as long as it does not interfere with their duties.
What’s Allowed: When You Have the Right to Record the Police
In most cases, video recording of police activities is entirely legal. This is especially true in public spaces and during interactions with the general public.
The most common situations where recording is allowed:
- During document or vehicle checks
- While detaining someone or writing up a report
- At protests or demonstrations
- During street patrols
- Inside government buildings unless there’s a specific restriction
This right is guaranteed by the Constitution and cannot be revoked simply because an officer verbally asks you to stop filming.
Legal conditions for recording:
- The video must not obstruct police actions
- You must not interfere with their official duties
- You cannot film private individuals in private places without consent
What’s Forbidden: When Recording the Police Breaks the Law
There are situations where filming police actions may qualify as an administrative or even criminal offense.
These include:
- Recording in official premises without permission
- Capturing operational or investigative procedures
- Filming victims or witnesses without their consent
- Using footage to spread false or defamatory content
The law protects not only the right to access information but also personal privacy. Police may lawfully demand that you stop filming if it threatens the safety of an operation.
Examples of illegal recording:
- Covert filming using hidden devices
- Continuing to film after a lawful order to stop
- Recording in restricted areas without accreditation
How to Act When Recording the Police
To avoid breaking the law while protecting your rights, it’s best to follow some basic recommendations.
Tips for citizens:
- Inform the officer that you are recording
- Clarify that you are acting within legal rights
- Stay calm and avoid provoking conflict
- Record openly and visibly
- Do not obstruct investigative procedures
It is also advisable to save the footage in case it’s needed as evidence in legal proceedings.
What to do if the police demand you stop recording:
- Ask them to state the legal grounds
- Request they cite the specific law
- Record the conversation
- Let them know you are acting in line with the Constitution
Comparison Table: What’s Allowed vs. Forbidden in 2025
| Situation | Recording Allowed | Recording Forbidden |
|---|---|---|
| Document check on the street | ✅ | ❌ |
| Detaining a suspect | ✅ (without interference) | ❌ (if interfering) |
| Inside a police station | ❌ (without permission) | ✅ (with permission) |
| Protests and rallies | ✅ | ❌ |
| Investigative actions | ❌ | ✅ |
| Conversation with an officer | ✅ | ❌ |
What Court Practice Says
Ukrainian courts have repeatedly sided with citizens who recorded police actions — provided the recording was open, non-disruptive, and did not infringe on the rights of third parties.
For instance, in a 2023 ruling, the Court of Appeals confirmed that filming during a routine traffic check is not a violation, even if the police requested that the recording be stopped without providing a legal basis.
Legal practice tends to favor public oversight of law enforcement. However, in certain cases, courts may uphold a demand to stop filming if it poses a risk to an investigation or public safety.
Filming and Publishing: Can You Post the Video Online?
Filming the police is one thing; posting the video online is another. Here, personal data protection laws come into play. If someone can be identified in the footage and the content lacks public interest, it may be a violation.
Tips before publishing:
- Blur the faces of third parties
- Remove personal information (license plates, addresses)
- Provide context or captions
- Avoid misleading edits that distort the situation
Sharing footage of police is acceptable if the video involves a matter of public interest — for example, abuse of power or failure to act.
Can Police Confiscate Your Phone or Delete Footage?
Police officers have no legal right to confiscate your phone or force you to delete footage without a court order. Such actions would constitute an abuse of power.
If this happens:
- Write down the officer’s name and badge number
- Demand a formal report be filed
- Contact a lawyer immediately
- Submit a complaint to the SBI (State Bureau of Investigation) or the Prosecutor’s Office
Even during detention, you have the right to retain your data — unless it is considered evidence in a criminal case.
Earlier we wrote that Ukraine has hired a legal company to provide support to the United States.