CT SB00237

Effective October 1, 2013, peace officers are liable in civil actions if they interfere with a person taking photographs, video, or digital images of the officer or another officer performing duties.

Peace officers are exempt from liability if they had reasonable grounds to believe they were interfering with image-taking to lawfully enforce state criminal law or municipal ordinances.

Peace officers may avoid liability when interfering with recording to protect public safety, preserve crime scenes or investigations, safeguard privacy interests of victims or other persons, or enforce Judicial Branch photography and recording policies.

"Peace officer" is defined per Connecticut General Statutes Section 53a-3.

The act creates a new statutory provision and is subject to Connecticut's liability immunity statutes (Sections 5-141d, 7-465, and 29-8a).