Judge Abolishes Rule Allowing Cops to Demand ID on Subways

A federal judge has invalidated a New York City transit system rule that allowed police officers to demand identification documents from anyone riding the subway.
 
The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by two vintage train aficionados who were stopped by the police while taking photographs at a station in Queens.
 
Both men were ticketed for "unauthorized photography." That violation was later dismissed because photography in the subways isn't illegal.
 
One was also ticketed for refusing to produce his driver's license until the officer put him in handcuffs.
 
U.S. Magistrate Cheryl Pollak ruled Friday that a rule requiring riders to provide any documents requested by police was "unconstitutionally vague'' and encouraged "arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement.''
 
A spokesman for New York City Transit says the agency is still reviewing the ruling.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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