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Chief of police advises residents on lawful recording, cautions against escalation
Summary
Captain Jonathan Larson, chief of police, told the council the city has seen increased public recording of officials and businesses. He said recording in public is generally lawful if it doesn't interfere with official duties and urged calm and reporting of disruptive incidents.
Mission Viejo's police chief addressed a recent uptick in people recording public employees and businesses and advised residents and business owners on lawful responses.
Captain Jonathan Larson said the city has seen more recording activity in public spaces and that many people exercise their First Amendment rights. "Recording in public spaces is generally lawful, as long as it does not interfere with any official duties or create any safety concerns," Larson said. He recommended that people remain calm, avoid escalation and report disruptive incidents to the police so officers can assess safety and trespass issues.
Councilmembers raised concerns about recordings inside private businesses and at the post office; Larson said private property and posted trespassing orders can change the legal analysis. He encouraged businesses to work with police if they want help establishing no‑trespass conditions.
