Videotaping police in a public space is not a criminal offence.

According to reports, this statement came from Justice Frank Seepersad, as he today awarded compensation to two men who were charged with obstructing officers during the arrest of businessman Inshan Ishmael in 2017.

According to a report by Newsday, the two were detained for 10 hours, and have been awarded $90,000 each, plus interest and costs.

In their lawsuit, the men contend that they did not obstruct the officers, but were instead recording the incident from a distance.

According to the article, Justice Seepersad reminded that most persons now have cell-phones and believes this should serve as a “check and balance” on how the police exercise their power.