If you take photos in London...

Ukwildlifeo · #1 (**permalink**) 14-12-2009, 09:21 AM

...be careful how you behave around security guards + policemen!

I take photos in the parks quite often and haven't had a problem so far, but it seems lots of people have recently around major landmarks, under 'section 44' anti terrorism act. Some have even been arrested: Police stop church photographer under terrorism powers | UK news | The Guardian - he seemed to get into trouble because he refused to tell security who he was and then the police who he was.

There are few other examples here too
From snapshot to Special Branch: how my camera made me a terror suspect | UK news | guardian.co.uk

The key seems to be to just give your details. Its against your civil rights, and your data will be stored on a police database but you may get arrested if you don't.

GTH · #2 (**permalink**) 14-12-2009, 12:12 PM

I find this totally unacceptable.......and just an indication of what a political police state we have now become. It violates civil rights yet again....but politically shows the way we are heading. On every level the police and the plonkas at the head of our government, look to criminalise as many as they can in the UK, using the fear they promote by their policies,to justify their actions, showing Britain isn`t great any more.

big bill · #3 (**permalink**) 14-12-2009, 12:42 PM

This has been going on now since the Twin Towers in New York and the bombings in London,it is always cropping up nearly every week in the photographic magazines about someone being stop by the police or over zealous security officers .
There was even talk about all photohraphic orginisations getting together to come up with some sort of ID card scheme ,some MP`s who are into photography are trying to help out but nothing seems to be coming of it maybe with it coming up to an election next year may be a good time to bring it up with all the campaigning that will be going on.
This is now starting to get out of hand,you are affraid to include photo`s of kids in everyday street shot incase you are classed as a Peodophile and risk being arrested ,your stopped from taking pics at your kids panto`s at christmas for fear that they may be used by some sicko,yet for some families especially now with so many over sea`s in Afghanistan this is the only way that they will get to see their kids perform.
I think the PC brigade have gone a step to far in a lot of places not just Photography but otherthings and its time that they brought their necks in,they have done enough damage too todays society just look at the attitude of some of the kids no morals or discipline.

GTH · #4 (**permalink**) 14-12-2009, 12:50 PM

I totally agree Big Bill

BillyPilgrim · #5 (**permalink**) 15-12-2009, 02:41 PM

[quote=Ukwildlifeo;574596
The key seems to be to just give your details. Its against your civil rights, and your data will be stored on a police database but you may get arrested if you don't.

[/QUOTE]

They are allowed to search you but you don't have to tell them your name or other details. Under no circumstances should you do so or it could come back to bite you in the future. It is best not to carry anything that can identify you as it would be found during the search. They would then record this on the search form.

The gradual move towards a police state is shocking. Even more shocking is the fact that so many law enforcement officers either don't know, or choose to ignore the law.

This site has many of examples of abuses of the law and some good advice on what to do if you do fall victim to it.

Photographers Rights And The Law In The UK - the law and photography

ps. Its not just London. Its happening all over the country.

welshcameraman · #6 (**permalink**) 15-12-2009, 04:50 PM

This has been going on for some time now. Those of us that read amateur photographer will have read every week about some innocent person being accosted by some over-powered dimwit. It is however good at last, to see that it is being taken seriously by the media and the press and perhaps now we can see the start of the end of this nonsense.

The question I would like answered...And it is controversial.. In what is fast becoming a police state.Is how many of these photographers that are stopped under the terrorism act are actually of Middle Eastern appearance? I suspect the dimwits have again been given targets and are going for the easy option.

Martin

GTH · #7 (**permalink**) 15-12-2009, 04:57 PM

The gradual move towards a police state is shocking. Even more shocking is the fact that so many law enforcement officers either don't know, or choose to ignore the law.

I couldn`t agree more......it`s one rule for them and one for us !!

Boddie · #8 (**permalink**) 15-12-2009, 05:02 PM

Wearing a badge saying 'I am a photographer not a terrorist' it strikes me that this chap had a fair idea that his actions might cause concern.

Rather like these idiots who claim 'no bombs today officer' when getting searched at airport customs.

Could it be this was a publicity stunt?

pressld2 · #9 (**permalink**) 15-12-2009, 05:33 PM

Possibly. Or possibly he was wearing the badge because he keeps getting accosted while going about his lawful business and is getting fed up with it.

Personally I haven't had any issues with police yet but have had one or two run-ins with private security guards.

Dave P.

Boddie · #10 (**permalink**) 15-12-2009, 05:36 PM

You could be right Dave but it strikes me that there may have been a bit of baiting going on. I'd have just given my name then asked whether or not the officers had nothing better to do with their time.

Sign of the times I am afraid