It's possible the photographer (hereafter referred to as "the/this guy") was following the cops. That's okay. If the cops don't like it, that's okay too. Nobody has to like what's going on. What is wrong, as you point out, is how the cops *handle* not liking things. It seems clear to me they, or at least Officer McGrabby, didn't like being watched by this guy. He clearly did not like being recorded. Again, that's okay... But it's NOT okay to infringe on a citizens rights for that reason. It's NOT okay to grab, verbally abuse and lie. It's an ABUSE of authority. The people give police officers special training, we give them special equipment and we grant them special authority not granted to civilians. In exchange for this the people expect and have every reason to demand all of these things be used with good judgement, discretion and an understanding of the laws being enforced NOT on personal feelings. Is that asking a lot? Perhaps. But we give cops a lot so we can ask a lot in return. We expect cops to be a "cut above" and if/when they're not, we have every right to hold them accountable. Don't like the occasional douche-bag getting up in your face? Can't handle someone knowing the law, their rights and calling you out on it? Tough noogies officer, that's the job. It's called "Law Enforcement", not "Personal Feelings Enforcement" and I don't give a crap about how you *feel* about me standing in a public place, legally documenting the actions of a public servant or how you *feel* about me being a douche bag. You want the uniform, the baton, the lethal force option and all the bad-assery that comes with it? Great, but you bear the responsibility of being more than average, of being able to keep your cool even when d-bags are calling you out. That's the job. If you want a job where you can verbally abuse and harass those entrusted to your care, fine... Surrender your badge, your gun, your special authority and go teach high school. ...