Deerfield-News.com-Deerfield Beach, Fl-What started for me to be a routine trip past the 4 synagogues tonight, just to see if all was well turned into a bit more. As I was on the east side of Century Plaza minding my own business. I noticed at least 5 marked BSO units with their lights on blocking the Northbound lanes of Military Trail. I then crossed the road and parked at the Chevron station, where I started to take pictures and some videos. I’m not sure why the deputies had a bad attitude with me I was well away from them. Yes, I was filming and taking pictures but from a distance. First, they shined their spotlight from one of the police cars onto me then they began making filming motions like they were filming me which if they have cameras they are doing. Then they began yelling something I could not hear. I then told them I was not an auditor as you see on YouTube who are looking for confrontations with police. I told them I was a news blogger with Deerfield-News. My vehicle has a press plate issued by the Sheriff’s Department if they would have looked.
BSO deputies should learn how to deal with the Media or anyone who is lawfully filming or taking pictures. My First Amendment rights should not be challenged or mocked by BSO deputies.
Anyone who reads our blog knows for ten years we have always been pro-BSO we regularly post their Media Relations and or Public Information Officer generated narratives.
At any rate, we have contacted the Media Relations Public Information Officers to see what actually was the reason for such a large police presence. We also have made a public records request for the same and the names and history of the deputies who were less than professional tonight.
I am urging BSO Deerfield Beach district office to train deputies in the proper way to deal with citizens and or media who aren’t interfering with an ongoing investigation, that intimidation and harassment may be a cause of action for the courts. Freedom of the press is a right guaranteed and protected by the First Amendment. The deprivation of a constitutional right by a government official certainly is a cause for legal action.
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If for some reason you are unable to use the above online portal due to accessibility issues, you may submit a request via the above phone number, or in writing by sending it to:
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Attention: Erin Foley, RMLO
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