Call to Action: NYPD Press Card Rule Changes

The City of New York recently published a proposal for rules changes to their press credentials process. In case you weren’t aware, the NYPD controls the issuance of press passes to members of the NYC media. The NYPD can also revoke a press pass for any reason they want and don’t have to give it back, which can greatly affect those who wish to cover the news in NYC. Some visual journalists have an issue with this as it not only affects their ability to do their job, but can also be considered counter to the 1st amendment.

If you’d like to have your voice be heard on the issue, NYC attorney and photojournalist Robert Roth is providing his services on this issue specifically pro bono. Basically, there is a process when making comments that he can assist with. You can reach him via his website, roth.nyc, if you’re interested in participating, and he can explain what’s involved. The public hearing for these rule changes is August 18, so don’t delay.

I actually listened in on a Zoom call which featured many prominent NYC photojournalists, including some former (and hopefully future) guests of the show, and there was some interesting debate about the new rules. I think the biggest issue raised by the rules is that it puts in writing the pass revocation process and how to dispute it. Some of the verbiage is a little at odds with the first amendment and our right to document events. As someone who had a pass in 2009, this is an issue near and dear to my heart, so I highly recommend everyone get smart on these potential changes. Wether you work in NYC or not, these rules could set a precedent and have impacts on how other municipalities treat their press, so I implore you to act, and act now!