I wanted to share an interesting first-person account by Arkansas journalist Bill Lawson after he was arrested at the scene of a fire. He gives some engaging insights into what can go bad in a difficult, stressful situation. It is strange he spent a lot of words detailing his personal woes, but to each their own. He appears to show a lot of respect for law enforcement as he describes his alleged mistreatment.

All photojournalists -- and many journalists -- know each situation involving firefighters or law enforcement can be a treacherous razor's edge to maneuver. In my own experience, some situations have devolved unnecessarily. There have been a variety of reasons, some my fault and others not. But most of the time these squabbles were avoidable and easily should have been.

Having a dialog among press and emergency personnel leaders can help avert possible misunderstandings, such as Lawson's. A greater understanding of the press by emergency personnel creates respect. Knowing this means the press will not push more than they should if certain guidelines are followed by all involved. Allowing each situation to define itself without guidelines adds stress and creates a cat-and-mouse game that can go bad for all involved -- in particular for the working photographers, who, by wearing cameras, are often targeted.