Chase Bank didn’t want to be filmed… so they called the cops—who filmed for me!! In my latest First Amendment audit in downtown West Palm Beach, I tested how banks react to public filming. Things took an ironic turn at Chase Bank, where a manager called the police on me—despite admitting he knew I had the right to film! Officer A. Forgione arrived, handled the situation professionally, and even educated the staff. But here’s the kicker: while Chase had an issue with me filming from the public sidewalk, the police went inside and recorded the bank themselves! You can’t make this up.

Over at Wells Fargo, the response was much calmer. A staff member asked if I was doing marketing, and when I said no, she simply went back inside. Unlike Chase, my camera had a clear view inside Wells Fargo—no glare blocking the footage.

After skipping the remaining stops due to low activity, I wrapped up the audit with a scenic outro at Lake Worth Lagoon, showcasing a stunning view of downtown West Palm Beach.

This one is packed with irony—you won’t want to miss it!

Watch the full Chase Bank didn’t want to be filmed… so they called the cops—who filmed for me!!  video to see the interactions unfold, and if you enjoy my work, consider supporting Good Citizen News Network at BuyMeACoffee.com/GCNN. Big thanks to my sponsor Raw Naked Bean—get free shipping on their coffee with code GCNN at RawNakedBean.com!

Should bank employees feel threatened over a camera? The rise of auditors filming bank exteriors has sparked an unexpected tension. While the auditors see it as a routine practice to document potential safety hazards or suspicious activity, some banks feel threatened by this seemingly innocuous act. Understanding both perspectives sheds light on the concerns at play.

Auditors, often independent security consultants or investigative journalists, film bank facades for various reasons. They might be documenting the accessibility of entrances for disabled individuals, identifying poorly lit areas that could be security risks, or capturing footage of suspicious activity like loitering or attempted break-ins. This footage can be used as evidence for reports, highlighting potential security vulnerabilities for the bank’s benefit.

However, banks express discomfort with being filmed. Concerns range from privacy violations of customers entering and exiting to reputational damage if the footage captures negative aspects like long lines or protests. Additionally, some banks worry that filming might be a precursor to a more elaborate attack, with criminals using the footage to plan robberies.

It’s important to remember that filming on public sidewalks is generally legal. Public spaces offer little expectation of privacy, and auditors operating within legal boundaries have the right to document what they see. To mitigate bank anxieties, auditors could ensure transparency by informing the bank of their filming intentions and purpose.

One potential solution is for the the banks to use privacy screens on their computer monitors, and ensure monitors aren’t facing public view. This can be done with curtains, blinds, and or reflective tint. What they shouldn’t do is try to enforce their policies on lawabiding citizens as they cannot control what others do on public sidewalks.

Ultimately, both sides share a common goal: bank security. By fostering open communication and acknowledging the legitimacy of both filming and bank concerns, a collaborative approach can be reached. This ensures auditors can conduct their work effectively while respecting bank anxieties, leading to a safer and more secure banking environment for everyone. Should bank employees feel threatened over a camera? Tell me what you think in the video’s comment section.