Haredi Photo-Journalist Roughed Up By Cop, Handcuffed, Video Destroyed
Shimon Gifter, a Brooklyn-based haredi photo-journalist, was allegedly roughed up just over three hours ago by an NYPD cop who allegedly intentionally erased Gifter's video footage and threw Gifter's camera to the pavement as he was filming background video for a report on an arrest of juveniles who had thrown objects at police.
I'm told that police responded to a 1065 10-85 call, a lower level "cop needs assistance" call, in Flatbush near Avenue M and East 16th.
Gifter, who was apparently at the scene of a nearby motor vehicle accident, heard the call and left to cover it.
He was filming the arrests when a cop told him not to film the people being arrested because they're juveniles. Gifter switched to filming what's called "B-roll," background footage used to flesh out reports – in this case, a store sign, as the cop walked away.
Then another police offer approached Gifter, claimed that Gifter had been ordered not to film by the first officer, refused to listen to Gifter's explanation, roughed him up, erased his footage, intentionally dropped Gifter's camera to ground, and handcuffed him – despite the fact that Gifter has press credentials and despite the fact that the incident took place outside on public property.
Gifter allegedly tied to explain to the officer that the footage was clean and even offered to let him check the footage. Instead, the cop deleted all the footage without looking at it and tried to break Gifter's camera.
Gifter was not arrested.
NY pigs are at in again.
The average NYPD cop is frightening in stupidity. Cream of the crap goes NYPD. ( for the most part.)
I have two family members who went NYPD. The stories they tell of the department and folks who become cops is really scary.
Posted by: Jake | January 16, 2013 at 06:58 PM
Although I have met good cops, too many of them are bullies with badges.
Posted by: Yochanan Lavie | January 16, 2013 at 07:25 PM
"erased his footage"
Every time I read about a rogue cop doing this, I have to chuckle while shaking my head.
The move is illegal in most first world countries, and the photographer can just fire up any of the hundreds of Flash card data recovery apps on the market.
Silly non-tech savvy rogue cop, freedom of information does not apply to thee.
Posted by: Bob Guthrie | January 16, 2013 at 08:01 PM
With no disrespect intended to Shmarya, it's interesting that Gifter came to FM with this story and not YWN for whom he shoots pictures.
By the way, a 10-65 (not "1065") is the NYPD radio code for "utility problem." A 10-85 is "extra unit needed." "Officer needs assistance" is 10-13.
Posted by: Wigmore | January 16, 2013 at 08:09 PM
theres probably no such thing as a "charedi journalist" since journalism should require some level of objectivity and some desire to report things as they are. no charedi publication can do this.
anyway, this sounds like police abuse. you can legally film the police doing their jobs on public streets with no fear of arrest or destruction of property.
Posted by: ah-pee-chorus | January 16, 2013 at 08:45 PM
Gee now I understand why NYC needs to consistantly raise taxes. This is gonna be at least a $20K payout.
Posted by: TheRealJoe | January 16, 2013 at 08:55 PM
Note: There are wifi camera's that allow you to make a setting so when you turn the camera off it will send the footage you have taken out via your cell phone (hot spot assumed) to your home system. This is available both in professional camera equipment and cell phones. The use and implication is obvious.
Posted by: Shmuel | January 17, 2013 at 12:33 AM
I figured one of you fuckers (apeedouchebag) would have something negative to say about him being Chareidi, kicking the ever loving shit out of you has become my new mission in life.
Posted by: different dave | January 17, 2013 at 06:52 AM
With no disrespect intended to Shmarya, it's interesting that Gifter came to FM with this story and not YWN for whom he shoots pictures.
Gifter is a freelance photographer. He does not work for YWN. And I don't think I have seen any of his material on YWN in almost a year.
Posted by: Pee Brain | January 17, 2013 at 07:39 AM
B"H
Is it true that NYPD can arrest juveniles, lock them up w no parents present, put them in a cage.... etc.... but that it is illegal to take photo on public street?
NYPD ... some good... way too many bad.
Posted by: simple jew | January 17, 2013 at 07:51 AM
With no disrespect intended to Shmarya, it's interesting that Gifter came to FM with this story and not YWN for whom he shoots pictures.
Gifter is a freelance photographer. He does not work for YWN. And I don't think I have seen any of his material on YWN in almost a year.
Posted by: Pee Brain | January 17, 2013 at 07:39 AM
There were several haredi witnesses to the incident, and word gets around.
Posted by: Shmarya | January 17, 2013 at 08:06 AM
kicking the ever loving shit out of you has become my new mission in life.
Posted by: different dave
are you threatening me, internet tough guy?
Posted by: ah-pee-chorus | January 17, 2013 at 09:23 AM
NY Haredi pigs are at in again.
The average Haredi is frightening in stupidity. Cream of the crap goes Haredi ( for the most part.)
Posted by: Jake | January 16, 2013 at 06:58 PM
Posted by: Zoobiemanyak | January 17, 2013 at 03:52 PM
I know shimon gifter . he is a nice guy. not a trouble maker in any way.
Posted by: JJ | January 20, 2013 at 03:44 PM