Masked First Amendment auditors goad customers at local USPS

PUBLIC SAFETY NOTICE

by Emma DiMaggio

Communications Manager

Residents have reported at least two incidents of masked men goading and filming them at the nearby U.S. Post Office branch on Seal Beach Boulevard. The men are First Amendment auditors, a type of activist that films in public spaces, such as city halls, post offices and police stations, to test if citizens and public officials respect their right to film in public spaces.

Their goal is to elicit a strong reaction from public officials and citizens, which they film and then post on monetized, online video platforms with titles like “Karens losing control!” The men are also equipped with handheld pepper spray for self defense.

In an April 2 Facebook post, the Seal Beach Police Department (SBPD) wrote: “Here’s the reality: If you engage, they get content. If it escalates, it goes viral. And if they’ve monetized their channel…they get paid.”

There is generally no reasonable expectation of privacy in public spaces. According to the American Civil Liberties Union, taking photographs and video of things that are plainly visible in public spaces is a constitutional right—and that includes transportation facilities, the outside of federal buildings, and police and other government officials carrying out their duties. It is legal to film adults and children in public spaces, as well as vehicle license plates and visible VIN numbers.

Any attempt at getting the auditors to stop filming is considered a “failed” audit, whereby their First Amendment right to film in public spaces is violated.

The SBPD Facebook post continued: “Myth: ‘You need permission to film in public.’ Reality: If someone is in a place they’re legally allowed to be like a sidewalk, park, or public area, they can generally record anything in plain view. No permission required. We get it can feel invasive. But feeling uncomfortable doesn’t make it illegal. And if you see us on scene… We’re not ‘doing nothing.’ We’re making sure things stay lawful and don’t escalate.”

Anyone who witnesses a crime being committed should call 911. The SBPD non-emergency dispatch is 562-594-7232.

Leisure World residents are urged to avoid confrontation with these men.

Residents can avoid the public post office by conducting their postal business at the U.S. Post Office branch located behind the Amphitheater, which is open weekdays from 9 a.m.noon and 1-3:30 p.m.