Just had a Chicago cop tell me I was wrong to film him during a traffic stop on Grand Avenue

Thomas Miller · 2026-04-15T06:05:06.399364+00:00

He said it was illegal to record police activity without permission and threatened to take my phone, but I stood my ground because I know the Illinois Eavesdropping Act changed in 2014. Has anyone else in Cook County had a similar run-in and know the exact statute to cite?

elliot_roberts5mo ago

Cite the Illinois Eavesdropping Act, section 720 ILCS 5/14-2.

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sammartinez5mo ago

That "without permission" line is a classic move. They're hoping you don't know the law changed. Good on you for standing your ground. I'd keep the statute Elliot mentioned pulled up on your phone screen. It's crazy they still try this years later.

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ericw935mo ago

Heard they still pull that line all the time.

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walker.julia3mo ago

Huh, I'd actually be a little nervous recording cops in Chicago.

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