Permission from a police department to accompany officers who legally enter private property may not immunize journalists from invasion of privacy suits. In most states, authorities may deny photographers access to crime scenes and disaster areas. Public officials and public figures, and people who become involved in events of public interest, have less right to privacy than do private persons. In some states, using hidden cameras, or audiotaping people without their consent, may invite criminal or civil penalties. A photograph may intrude into a persons seclusion without being published.
Intrusion can occur as soon as the image is taken.
Privacy laws vary widely from state to state, and the law often is unclear within a given state. If in doubt about a situation, a call to a media lawyer or to the Reporters Committee may help you assess the risk.