I can't remember specifically the example, but there was a recent case where someone recorded the conversation with a police officer without the police officer's knowledge or consent. This ended up getting the person in a lot more hot water than the original issue. If someone could provide specifics, would be appreciated.
In any other state, if you (as the recorder) are aware that you are being recorded (ie, you're recording your own conversation with someone else), it's legal.
Really? All I can find[1] seems to indicate all parties need to consent:
"4. The term 'interception' means to secretly hear, secretly record, or aid another to secretly hear or secretly record the contents of any wire or oral communication through the use of any intercepting device by any person other than a person given prior authority by all parties to such communication..."
They usually don't have to believe what the law is when many citizens will easily bend at the sight of officer intimidation because they don't actually know the law.
In at least three states, it is now illegal to record any on-duty police officer.
also
Illinois, Massachusetts, and Maryland are among the 12 states in which all parties must consent for a recording to be legal unless, as with TV news crews, it is obvious to all that recording is underway.
Edit: to my knowledge, these are based on outdated wiretapping laws intended for telephone conversations.
