I can't take photos in public? Give me a break NYPD

This week is fashion week in New York City. I decided to carry my camera with me to take some cool photos of all the media and perhaps get some shots of celebs. Today I was walking down 42nd after getting off the bus and tons of cops in full gear (semi-auto rifles, helmets, vests, etc.) with dogs everywhere. I decided to take a few shots.

I walk to the side of the sidewalk, minding own business, and start zooming in.

Seconds later Mr. Bigshot with his gun waddles over and tells me I cannot do that and must see my camera. He reviewed them and made me leave. I had no shots, because I didn't snap any quite yet, so he reviewed pictures of me fixing a wall at my house in Virginia.

Give me a break though .. who are they to take my camera, review photos, and tell me I cannot shoot in a public area?

I've never met an NYPD cop that didn't seem to hate life.