8ft should be the required distance for everything unless the person is involved. Police doing an arrest have every reasonable reason to ask people to 'stand b

8ft should be the required distance for everything unless the person is involved. Police doing an arrest have every reasonable reason to ask people to 'stand back a bit' and 8ft seems about right. The moment there is some kind of interaction of consequence, the 'spot' becomes an issue of civic concern, conflict, violence etc.. Cops may have to draw weapons, fight, god knows what in order to do their jobs. You can watch/film or whatever from 8ft.