Over the last few years citizen activists have been conducting "First Amendment Audits" with increasing frequency. This phenomenon does not appear to be led by an organization; rather, audits are conducted by individuals interested in videoing law enforcement and other public officials and offices. Although conducted by individuals, organizations such as the ACLU provide guidance and encourage First Amendment audits. (See ACLU: https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/protesters-rights/#i-want-to-take-pic….) Frequently, these video audits are posted online and, if a perceived First Amendment violation occurred, the videos are the basis for a civil lawsuit. Now is a good time to review and update or create, if necessary, your County's protocol with regard to citizens videoing County operations. Fortunately, counties and public offices, such as Union County, have prepared well to withstand a "First Amendment" without incident. Union County, specifically Sheriff Patton, was kind enough to share the attached memorandum regarding recent "First Amendment Audit" activity and permit it to be distributed by CORSA broadcast email. Thank you Union County. The attached is not legal advice nor should it be construed as such. Should you require a legal opinion please contact your Prosecutor's Office or legal counsel.
Frank Hatfield, Esq.
CORSA Risk Manager
fhatfield(a)ccao.org<mailto:fhatfield@ccao.org>
614-560-1474
614-220-0209 Fax
www.corsa.org<http://www.corsa.org/>
" The leader in providing Ohio Counties with exceptional value, service, and protection of assets."
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message (including any attachments) is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy this message and all attachments.
Conducting internal employment investigations, even so called "routine" investigations, is always a challenge fraught with potential hazards. There is still time to register for the OHPELRA Fall Conference which will thoroughly cover internal investigations and is CLE approved for attorneys. If you are involved in internal employment investigations you may consider attending.
Frank Hatfield
CORSA Risk Manager
fhatfield(a)ccao.org<mailto:fhatfield@ccao.org>
614-560-1474
614-220-0209 Fax
www.corsa.org<http://www.corsa.org/>
" The leader in providing Ohio Counties with exceptional value, service, and protection of assets."
CONFIDENTIALITY NOTICE: This e-mail message (including any attachments) is intended only for the person or entity to which it is addressed and may contain confidential and/or privileged material. Any unauthorized review, use, disclosure or distribution is prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy this message and all attachments.
