Arizona law protects police, not people

In September a new Arizona law will go into effect:

Under the law, it is illegal for someone to record law enforcement officers if the person is within eight feet of an area where the person knows, or should “reasonably” know, that law enforcement activity is occurring, or if they receive a verbal warning from an officer about the rule.

Law enforcement activity could include questioning a “suspicious” person, conducting an arrest or handling a disorderly person, according to the text of the bill. A violation is a misdemeanor offense, with a potential penalty of up to 30 days in jail and fines of up to $500.

There are exceptions for people on private property, in a vehicle stopped by the police, or those who are the subjects of police contact, as long as they do not interfere with officers’ actions. There are no exceptions for journalists.

Why was this law enacted?

State Representative John Kavanagh, the bill’s sponsor, said that there was little reason for bystanders to be within eight feet of an on-duty police officer and that the law would protect people from getting close to dangerous situations and prevent them from interfering from police work.

So according to the sponsor of the bill, the law is to protect people.

Then why doesn't it just call for people to stay eight feet away from police unless they're directly involved?

Why does the law limit its scope to recording police activity?

What is it about watching and recording police activity that constitutes interference with that activity?

These are rhetorical questions, of course, because we all know the answers.

This law isn't about protecting citizens, it's about protecting cops — from accountability.

Rep. Kavanagh, you and the other legislators who voted for this bill, and Gov. Ducey, are full of it.