NYPD - Newark Airport Troubles

[Jersey Flyer]

So last week, I decided to go take a trip to Newark Airport, to go plane spotting. I basically hiked from Terminal C, to the Active Runway 22L, 22R, to get some good shots I walked into a parking lot, which was WIDE open, with no security, no warning signs, no nothing. Then, beyond the fense by the runways, a COP pulls up, asks me what i'm doing. (Ofcourse, i'm only 16 so automatically I'm up to no good). Next thing I know, 2 more cops come up, search me for weapons, delete my pictures on my camera (which were really awesome shots), and i had to get taken back to the Port Authority HQ since i'm a minor. I was questioned, for relations to HAMAAS, and other terrorist organizations.  :-/

[BFMF]

Unfortunately, times have changed and photographing aircrafts around airports is no longer as acceptable as it used to be.

[Flying Buckeye]

If the memory card wasn't confiscated, you should be able to recover the pictures using photo recovery software.

[a1]

Luckly here at LAX it like that...Yet...


But I know it is all for the good.

[flyboy 28]

I'm not one to cast judgment, but walking around EWR isn't a good idea to begin with. Any airport, for that instance. Even a small GA field. Especially while taking photos.

Were you on airport grounds? If so, I'm assuming you walked around past the cargo area. That's where they keep VIP visitors overnight, equipment that needs MX work, and so forth. So automatically, security is heightened there.

The PAPD (not NYPD as you said in the title) have definitely cracked down on security and threats after 9/11. I've been the subject on a few occasions of a Port cop asking me questions at Ikea and Olympia Drive. Through my years of spotting, I've shied away from EWR, for that reason. It's just not worth the hassle.

In any case, they can ask you to delete your photos, but they can't make you. I'm not sure why you were detained, which doesn't seem entirely legal, especially if you're a minor (although your profile says you're 28?).

[expat]

Interesting that your pictures where deleted, a crime in itself by the police? I believe, coming under the title of destruction of evidence and possibly property?? If you had been later arrested and charged by the police, they have destroyed the evidence against you and destroyed any proof of innocents. In the UK, the only person who can order the deletion of digital pictures is a judge. ACOP

[Hagar]

[quote]calling police officers "misguided and overzealous"

[Wii]

Many (international) airports I want to spot at very clearly state that you are not allowed under any circumstances to be taking photos. Not in the terminal, parking and you are most certainly not allowed to go down to the fence outside the runways. Even if you ask the authorities, they will say no. Highly unfortunate incident.

[expat]

Many (international) airports I want to spot at very clearly state that you are not allowed under any circumstances to be taking photos. Not in the terminal, parking and you are most certainly not allowed to go down to the fence outside the runways. Even if you ask the authorities, they will say no. Highly unfortunate incident.

Unfortunately, not allowed is often interpreted as illegal.

Matt

[Fozzer]

[quote] . ....(Of course, i'm only 16 so automatically I'm up to no good).....

[Wii]

Many (international) airports I want to spot at very clearly state that you are not allowed under any circumstances to be taking photos. Not in the terminal, parking and you are most certainly not allowed to go down to the fence outside the runways. Even if you ask the authorities, they will say no. Highly unfortunate incident.

Unfortunately, not allowed is often interpreted as illegal.

Matt

I would prefer not seeing the little flashy car approaching me so I avoid spotting on airport grounds. Or at least without the camera.

[beaky]

I won't tell you I think you should have been where you were, but it sounds to me like the PAPD were out of line, for the reasons cited above.

I think a "beat it, kid!" would have been sufficient, and being a fine upstanding young man you would have complied.

You might consider a lawsuit... they have plenty of money, and would just waste most of it anyway, paying glorified "rent-a-cops" to drive around airports bothering people.

They're not as bad as the TSA, but they have it coming to them.

[Willit Run]

At PHL the spotter group I belong to has a good relationship with the Police.

[Craig.]

Many (international) airports I want to spot at very clearly state that you are not allowed under any circumstances to be taking photos. Not in the terminal, parking and you are most certainly not allowed to go down to the fence outside the runways. Even if you ask the authorities, they will say no. Highly unfortunate incident.

Many international airports double up as military bases. Thats why a lot are not fond of spotters.

[Jersey Flyer]

WOAH, didnt think I'd get this many replies.

FYI, i did not really not force my way into anything, didnt go "hopping fences" or climbing over barracades, nothing like that. Anyway, I learned my lesson.. so I guess I'll just have to wait untill i actually AM a pilot to enjoy the wonders of commercial aviation....