In a cell phone recording by John Houghtaling, New York state trooper—identified as Officer Rosenblatt—threatens to find a way for the DA’s office to arrest Houghtaling if he didn’t stop recording.
As Officer Rosenblatt approaches, Houghtaling asks, “How’s it going?”
Officer Rosenblatt responds, “Put the phone down.”
“Put the phone down… why?” asks Houghtaling.
“Because I said so.”
“Am I not allowed to record, Officer?”
Officer Rosenblatt does not directly respond, but rather blocks the view of the camera with his hand, and begins to order Houghtaling to open his window. Houghtaling assures the officer he can hear him just fine as the officer continues to insist he roll his window down. When Houghtaling asks for his badge number, Rosenblatt refuses to respond.
Finally, Houghtaling asks, “Am I being detained?”
Officer Rosenblatt replies, “I’m stopping you for a traffic violation, open your window and give me your license and registration.”
Houghtaling responds accordingly, and immediately begins to retrieve the requested paperwork.
As Houghtaling gets into his glove-box, Officer Rosenblatt asks, “Are you the same one who thought it was a good idea to come in my station and videotape us for some reason?”
“Am I legally obligated to answer that question?” Houghtaling asks.
Officer Rosenblatt merely stares at him for a few seconds before saying, “How about if I see you post this on Youtube, I’ll find a way for the DA’s office to arrest you.”
