[mikeash]

Because recording police is justified by "we're both in public, and I should be able to record public things", which justification applies equally well to police using cameras in public.

[betterunix]

That is kind of like saying, "Everyone has freedom of speech, therefore the government should be allowed to publish propaganda."

[pfortuny]

Nope: the government is not a 'person' in that sense because it has a special role in society, which has been given by society and needs to be controled by society.

The government is not 'one' in 'everyone'.

[throwaway2048]

how are the police different in this regard?

[wnight]

Sure, as people themselves. But as my employee, no. Only if it really serves me.

We pay the bills so we can make some requirements.