JCRegister

Phot Credit: Steve Kelley. View it on flickr.

Here’s an interesting story by my flickr buddy Steve Kelley (I still owe you a testimonial, Steve, don’t worry, I didn’t forget )…

“Nothing like a minor light rail derailment to bring out the entire Jersey City Fire Department (2 Ambulances & 4 Engines), Jersey City Police Department (at least 5 cars as well as 2 of the Emergency Services Response Trucks (SWAT)), and a contingent from PATH Police.

The apparent over response I’ve seen in the short time I’ve lived in Jersey City is perplexing.

An officer at the scene asked me who I work for and then the individual told that me it was not legal for me to take photographs. I was also informed (the person assumed I was a member of the press) that “you know why and you should know better”.

There seemed to be some clean-up occurring at the track/wheel level which this image depicts.

I did observe at least 15 passengers who disembarked for a bus to continue on their journey which for 1:30 AM was more than I expected.”

As far as I know, it is LEGAL anywhere in the United States to take pictures publicly, because it is PUBLIC. Seems to be that the police officer is the one who should know better.

The scene happened in public, and the photographer (Steve) was not trespassing. The officer should be pleased that someone was documenting the situation.

Good job with the picture, Steve!