Sheriff Tried Controlling Me... Then It Backfired

On May 5, 2026, I encountered members of the Erie County Sheriff's Department during a traffic stop while exercising my First Amendment right to record from a public sidewalk. Almost immediately after I arrived, a sheriff's sergeant attempted to tell me where I could and could not stand, despite the fact that I was on a public sidewalk and was not interfering with the traffic stop. When I refused to obey unlawful directives, the situation escalated into a debate about constitutional rights, police authority, and the limits of lawful orders. Throughout the encounter, I repeatedly asserted my right to remain in a public place and document government officials performing their duties. The sergeant continued attempting to control where I stood, even though my presence was not disrupting the investigation or creating a safety issue. As the interaction unfolded, it became clear that the issue was not officer safety or interference—it was about control. Eventually, the sergeant abandoned his attempts to dictate where I could stand and left without taking any enforcement action. This video also compares the Erie County Sheriff's Department's response to recording in public with other police departments within Erie County that recognize and respect the constitutional rights of citizens to film from public spaces without issuing unlawful commands. Watch the full encounter and decide for yourself: • Was the sergeant's order lawful? • Was I interfering with the traffic stop? • Should law enforcement be able to dictate where citizens stand on public sidewalks without a legal basis? • How should police departments handle citizens who record their activities? If you support government transparency, police accountability, and constitutional rights, consider subscribing and sharing the video. Remember to Like, Share with your friends, Smash the HYPE Button, and Subscribe! Always record the police even if you don't have a channel the community is here for you we will get it out there!!!! Always record the police! ☆☆Everyone Remember ☆☆ if you choose to redress your grievance to your government or public servants witch IS your Constitutional Right. Remember there is a Fine Line from Redressing your Grievances and making any THREATS, or HARASSMENT! YOU DO NOT REPRESENT AEC Or the movement of accountability if you make any threats or HARASSMENT! That is a crime and NOT supported in any way. Recommended Attorneys: Nick Texido – Criminal Defense & Civil Rights (716) 306-5251 Website: texidolawwny.com Brittany Penberthy (716) 803-8400 Ext. 2 Website: thepenlawgroup.com to get in touch with AEC [email protected] If you want to support Auditing Erie County you can here! venmo @Auditing-Erie-County cashapp @AuditingErieCounty #FirstAmendmentAudit #FirstAmendment #AuditTheAudit #PoliceAccountability #ConstitutionalRights #FreedomOfPress #PublicPhotography #ErieCounty #ErieCountySheriff #SheriffsDepartment #PoliceTransparency #GovernmentAccountability #CivilRights #CitizenJournalist #NewYork #KnowYourRights #PublicOfficials #Transparency #RightsMatter #RecordingInPublic