Kentucky Derby Bans Interchangeable Lens Cameras in Name of Security

[The Straight Story]

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, security is on the rise at most public events. Many of the new rules make some degree of sense, like banning coolers and purses larger than 12-inches, and increased electronic wand checks at gates to the venue. But one new regulation seems to make no sense at all. As reported by USA Today

While some cameras and phones with cameras will still be allowed, camcorders, tripods and other video equipment will be banned along with cameras that have detachable lenses or cameras equipped with lenses more than 6 inches.

That's right, no camcorders, no tripods, and no cameras that have detachable lenses. The Kentucky Derby website confirms this, along with grills, thermoses, duffel bags, wagons, and more.

Most of these bans are on objects that could either be used to carry an explosive device, would interfere with other patrons (like umbrellas) or that the Derby wants to control (like alcohol). So why in the world are cameras banned?

This seems particularly bizarre given that the reason why law enforcement officials were able to identify the suspects in the Boston Bombings so quickly was because of the huge number of cameras that recorded so much of what happened on that day.

http://www.popphoto.com/news/2013/04/kentucky-derby-bans-interchangeable-lens-cameras-name-security

[nadinbrzezinski]

1. I am sure this will change as soon

As reuters and ap refuse to cover the derby with i-phones

[Earth_First]

8. I am sure that the press pool will not be affected by this... nt

[FarCenter]

2. No more filling your 300 mm telephoto with mint julep?

[Vinnie From Indy]

3. No, this is a naked attempt by the Derby people to make more money

In fact, I think the terrorists win when we come up with these idiotic, senseless rules. It is all an illusion.

[SoCalDem]

4. Professional photographers' lobby?

[DisgustipatedinCA]

11. Yep. This has nothing to do with security.

I'm sure that explosives or whatever could be put inside a point-and-shoot if they could be placed in an SLR. This is nothing more than an attempt to make sure you don't get good shots at the Derby if you're not credentialed.

[malaise]

5. There was a very good post here the day of the bombs but the poor poster was attacked

He asked a very legitimate question - why were the police watching the race and not the spectators?
That is standard procedure at international sporting events.
In reality people were off guard.

[Buns_of_Fire]

6. Wagons?

Well, that tears it for me. I always used to attend the Kentucky Derby (as I do at all sporting events) with my trusty Flexible Flyer strapped to my back.

[snappyturtle]

7. People are very malleable of late....so...let's see how far they can be

pushed? I don't like the message these restrictions are taking.
It's fine if most disagree with me...it's my honest opinion and
a hunch sense I've developed having lived on this planet as
long as I have.

I visited the Kentucky Derby website this afternoon. These
restrictions were posted on April 18th...3 days post bombings.
Sort of reminded me of the speedy appearance of the 1st
Patriot Act after 9/11. Hope the Derby committee at least
enjoyed themselves while coming up with the list with a
few mint juleps!

just imho.

edit: also on a local Louisville teevee interview I saw a Derby
official claiming that bringing in cameras would slow down the
"airport" like nature of entry to the 2013 Derby. Also noted that
anything conviscated would not be kept for later retrieval. Nice.

[Buns_of_Fire]

10. The TSA mentality is spreading... like a cancer.

Last year I took a bus to Florida, since I didn't want to put up with their BS by flying there.

Guess who was waiting at the Orlando bus terminal, screening everyone who was going to Tampa/St. Petersburg?

[snappyturtle]

12. Really? Wow, I didn't know they did busses too! So talented.

[HiPointDem]

14. that would be enough to make me cancel my derby plans.

[snappyturtle]

16. It would me too. Too bad if they have to set up more

check-in lanes, or whatever. People should be allowed to
take pics and bring a purse larger than 12 inches! IT's all
garbage. I think I'd take a qt. zip loc with 3 oz. shampoos
for them to wade through.

[liberal N proud]

9. Paranoia is an illness

And America is sick.

[snappyturtle]

15. Part of the "fear" factor....'they' can accomplish a lot if

we're kept in a constant state of fear and panic. Naomi Klein
and her book, "The Shock Doctrine", comes to mind.

[NightWatcher]

13. They should ban those big assed hats, a terrorist could put a

damn chicken dinner in there.