Los Santos Public Photography and Video Ordinances

December 19, 2024

Los Santos County

Introduction

The ‘Los Santos Public Photography and Video Ordinances’ is to be a living document to help in documenting and clarifying the legality of taking photos and filming video in public for professionals and hobbyists alike in Los Santos County.

Constitutional Justification

Article II, Section 3 of The Constitution of San Andreas empowers the Mayor of Los Santos County to enact legislation within the jurisdiction. Further Article III, Section 2 guarantees the right to Free Speech and Thought.

Ordinance Register

O-01) Public Photography and Video

Objective: Citizens and visitors to Los Santos County shall be free to take videos and photos in and of publicly accessible spaces.

Enforcement: Citizens of and visitors to Los Santos County will be permitted to take photos, record video, and audio in public spaces, including but not limited to police interactions. Places where people have a reasonable expectation of privacy such as speaking with a doctor at the hospital, or within their own home with the blinds closed are not publicly accessible spaces.

Penalties: N/A

Glossary:

Publicly Accessible Spaces – Any space generally open and accessible to the public which include but are not limited to public sidewalks, outside of MRPD, public parking lots, outside of city hall, etc.

O-02) Lawful Influence and Vernacular for Essential Press Detail Act (L.I.V.E.P.D. Act)

Objective: This act aims to provide protections for members of the press who are reporting on an active scene of law enforcement interactions in Los Santos County

Enforcement:

1.) All citizens and visitors to Los Santos County shall be allowed to record, photograph, and observe active scenes from a safe distance of at least one city block.

2.) Members of the press will wear identifiable attire, including a blue helmet and blue protective vest, when reporting on active scenes in Los Santos County, and must be signed in as a WEAZEL News employee.

3.) Members of the press will be allowed closer for reporting so long as they wear appropriate protective attire detailed above, maintain as safe a distance as possible, and obey the lawful orders of members of LSPD on scene.

4.) Law Enforcement on scene should use discretion in issuing lawful orders to back away from an active scene, or orders to move across the road or otherwise leave the area with press wearing appropriate protective attire on scene so as to allow for reporting on the active scene.

Penalties: N/A

Glossary:

Press: The individuals, such as photographers, reporters, journalists, and camera operators who work for newspapers, magazines, news channels, etc.

Press appropriate protective attire: Basic protective gear including a blue helmet and blue protective vest marking the individual as a member of the press.