Pubdate: Mon, 14 Nov 2005
Source: Daily Egyptian (IL Edu)
Copyright: 2005 Daily Egyptian
Contact:  http://www.dailyegyptian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/779
Author: Zack Quaintance

UNIVERSITY WILL ANNOUNCE RESULTS OF FILM CONFISCATION INVESTIGATION

The University plans to announce the results of an investigation into 
the Sept. 14 seizure of photojournalism student Matthew Bowie's film, 
officials said.

In an interview with the Daily Egyptian last week, Executive Director 
Cathy Hagler said she was still unable to comment about the specifics 
of the incidents, but when the investigation is complete, the 
University will announce the results. She did not know, however, when 
the investigation will be completed.

Bowie, a junior from Kildeer, was riding his bicycle past an 
afternoon arrest outside Quigley Hall when he stopped to take 
photographs. An undercover campus officer on loan to a local drug 
enforcement agency demanded Bowie give him his film or suffer 
suspension from school and arrest, Bowie said.

The officer later approached Bowie at home to apologize and explain 
his actions. The man, who loudly identified himself as police during 
the arrest, feared Bowie's pictures would compromise his undercover 
work and put him and his family in danger, Bowie said.

In October, the University announced the Illinois Office of the 
Inspector General would look into the incident because administrators 
wanted to insure an impartial investigation. Bowie was interviewed by 
investigators but said he was not given a time frame for when the 
investigation would be completed.

The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution protects against 
illegal search and seizure, and without probable cause or a warrant, 
authorities cannot seize property.

Bowie said he would be upset if the officer lost his job, and all he 
wants is an apology from the administration.

Photojournalism professor James Kelly requested a statement on the 
University's policy on property confiscation, and when he did not 
receive one, he sought help from the Illinois Press Association. The 
group told Kelly it did not appear the University was trying to cover 
up the situation, Kelly said.

Since the incident, there has been much public support for Bowie. The 
Undergraduate Student Government passed a resolution supporting him, 
and a student demanded information on the incident at a City Council 
meeting in October.

Bowie plans to thank student government for their involvement at the 
group's Wednesday meeting.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman