Bill restricts taking accident-scene photos, video

[NJMedic 96]

Press of Atlantic City 09/09/2011, Page A01

http://www.pressofat...1cc4c03286.html

Bill restricts taking accident-scene photos, video

■ First responders posted graphic images of Cathy Bates online before her family was notified of her fatal car crash.

By JOHN FROONJIAN

Statehouse Bureau Chief

Ocean County lawmakers have proposed a bill to restrict first responders from taking accident-scene photographs after two emergency volunteers posted images online of a dying woman at a Barnegat Township accident.

Edited September 10, 2011 by jack10562
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[PEMO3 523]

Press of Atlantic City 09/09/2011, Page A01

http://www.pressofat...1cc4c03286.html

Bill restricts taking accident-scene photos, video

I understand the basic position behind the bill but it seem to be focused to specifically at only one group, "first responders". To truly be a effective measure it should be painted with a broad brush and include all persons including the media and general public if the true intent is to protect victims and their families. First responders are best handled by internal rules and regulations not legislative bills. Lets just look at the past few weeks to see that the general public is posting more than the first responders of accident victims. One just has to look at the last high profile thread regarding the motorcycle crash and view the video, a YouTube one at that, and see the number of civilian cameras going. Just my opinion.

[helicopper 1,050]

Evidently the first responders couldn't be relied upon to follow rules and regulations and not post such images publicly. There are also different standards for those operating under the color of law or with special privileges and access.