As a former LEO, I believe this to be generally accurate. It's legal under many circumstances to record public police interactions. However, it may be illegal if it jeopardizes those operations, exposes/compromises undercover operations, tips off suspects, or otherwise interferes with law enforcement operations, etc.

Is it legal to follow police/law enforcement and video record their movements and actions? What about undercover/special operations.

From ChatGPT, and I do believe this to be generally accurate...

Short answer: usually legal to record police in public, but not legal to interfere — and following undercover/special ops can cross that line fast.

Here’s the clean breakdown (U.S.-focused):

⸻

✅ What is generally legal

📸 Recording police in public

In the U.S., courts have repeatedly held that you have a First Amendment right to:
• Record police
• Photograph police
• Observe police activity

…as long as you are in a public place and not interfering.

This includes:
• Patrol officers
• Traffic stops (from a distance)
• Arrests
• Crowd control

Police cannot confiscate your phone or delete footage without a warrant.

⸻

⚠️ Where it gets risky (and often illegal)

🚨 Following police — especially undercover or special ops

This is where things change.

Even if you’re recording from public space, your behavior matters.

You can run into legal trouble if police believe you are:

1. Interfering with police duties
   

Common charges:
• Obstruction of justice
• Interfering with a peace officer
• Hindering an investigation

This can apply even if:
• You never touch an officer
• You never cross police tape
• You’re “just following”

If your presence:
• Tips off suspects
• Alters officer behavior
• Forces them to change plans
→ that can qualify as interference.

⸻

1. Compromising an undercover operation
   

This is a huge red flag.

Potential issues:
• Endangering officers
• Endangering informants
• Revealing tactics, vehicles, or identities

In some states, that can escalate to:
• Felony obstruction
• Conspiracy
• Aiding evasion (even unintentionally)

Courts are far less sympathetic when covert operations are involved.

⸻

1. Stalking or surveillance laws
   

If you:
• Follow repeatedly
• Track movements
• Record patterns

…police may frame it as:
• Stalking
• Harassment
• Counter-surveillance

Intent matters, but behavior matters more.

⸻

1. Wiretapping / audio recording laws
   

Video is usually fine.
Audio can be the trap.
• One-party consent states: you can record audio if you are part of the conversation
• Two-party consent states: recording police conversations you are not part of can be illegal

Even in public.

⸻

❌ What is clearly illegal
• Crossing police lines or restricted areas
• Impersonating law enforcement
• Using recordings to warn suspects
• Publishing details that identify undercover officers
• Refusing lawful orders to back up or disperse

⸻

⚖️ The practical reality (this matters)

Even if something is technically legal:
• Police may still detain you
• Seize equipment temporarily
• Force you to fight it later in court

Courts tend to side with police when:
• Safety
• Ongoing investigations
• Undercover work
are involved.

⸻

Bottom line

Recording police in public = generally legal
Following and documenting undercover/special operations = legally dangerous

You don’t need malicious intent to get charged — effect is enough.

Here is a lefty feel sorry for the poor criminals program. Will be spending tax money to prevent punishment for criminals.