Howdy rdlan026-ga,
A reminder of the "Important Disclaimer: Answers and comments provided on
Google Answers are general information, and are not intended to substitute
for informed professional medical, psychiatric, psychological, tax, legal,
investment, accounting, or other professional advice."
If they are following the following UCLA policies and regulations, as well as
the search and seizure provisions of the Fourth Amendment, the UCLA campus
police should not be taking a camera away from someone in such a situation.
"UCLA Library Conduct Policies"
http://lis12a.library.ucla.edu/about/6115.cfm
"University of California Policies Applying to Campus Activities,
Organizations, and Students"
http://student.ucsf.edu/osl/assets/PACAOS.Supp.Interim.705.pdf
"UCLA Regulations on Activities, Registered Organizations and Use of
Properties"
http://www.saonet.ucla.edu/campus_regs/
"UCLA Policy 863: Filming and Photography on Campus"
http://www.adminvc.ucla.edu/appm/entry_policies.asp?vSection=public/app_0863_0.html
Keep in mind that the act of photography/filming without advance authorization
is prohibited in the UCLA library.
http://lis12a.library.ucla.edu/about/6115.cfm
"Filming and Photography
Use of Library facilities for filming and photography without advance
authorization from the appropriate Library personnel is prohibited."
That said, the above referenced document states the following policies and
potential sanctions.
"User Rights and Responsibilities
...
The Library will refuse access to its facilities, resources, or services to
anyone who disrupts the use of the facilities by others or is disrespectful to
other library users or employees. People who are unwilling to abide by these
regulations will be asked to leave, and those refusing to do so will be subject
to removal by security personnel and may not be allowed further access to the
libraries.
...
Sanctions
Violation of university policies or campus regulations may subject a person to
legal penalties; if the person is a UCLA student, faculty member, or staff
member, he or she may also be subject to university discipline (UCLA
Regulations on Activities, Registered Organizations and Use of Properties)."
If one were a "student, faculty member or staff employee," then suspension
could be a result of not following UCLA policies and regulations.
http://www.saonet.ucla.edu/campus_regs/
The bottom line is that nowhere within the above documents does it state or
empower the campus police to confiscate a camera.
Even though they do not appear to be authorized to take such action, I also
have no doubt there would be times that they would abuse their power and
indeed confiscate a camera, if they knew it was there.
Even though campus police probably have more leeway when it comes to comes to
"search and seizure" provisions, it does not extend to the seizure of someone's
property such as a camera.
Also don't buy into the idea that they can seize a camea for "evidence." If
they want the camera and someone doesn't want to give it to them, they would
need to get a warrant/subpoena. But, again, that has never stopped abuses.
If you need any clarification, please feel free to ask.
Search strategy:
Google search on: "UCLA Library" rules
://www.google.com/search?q=%22UCLA+Library%22+rules
The above search and document results provided the other documents noted.
Looking Forward, denco-ga - Google Answers Researcher |
