Section 44 (Stop and Search) Suspended

[acherontia]

Originally Posted by pressld2

Okay, there are strong feelings around this issue but let's keep it civil please!

Caroline, I wasn't there but it's my understanding that the police approached the young man and told him to stop taking photos. When he refused, as he was perfectly within his rights and within the law to do, he got abused and man-handled.

He was told that it's an offence to take photos of minors without their parents' permission - it isn't.

He was told it's illegal to photograph members of the military - it isn't.

He was told that he's not allowed to photograph the police - wrong again. Three out of three.

I have my suspicions (based on no evidence whatsoever, just a gut feeling) that the whole thing kicked off because a parent objected to their son or daughter being photographed and reported it to a policeman. But there have been enough cases by now, and enough publicity, that the police really ought to know that the correct response is "I'm very sorry sir/madam but everyone is entitled to take photographs in a public place. If you don't want your child to be photgraphed then you need to withdraw him/her from the parade".

I agree with Mike that section 43 needs looking at too. But at least with that one they need to have "reasonable cause" to suspect you of terrorism before any stop and search or detainment. This means they'll have to be very careful how they use it or they'll find themselves in the dock being asked to present the evidence that led to their "reasonable cause" for suspicion.

Dave P.

I completely agree with all you say.

I also admire this young man for holding on tightly to his convictions, beliefs and an obviously well researched awareness of what is truly right or wrong (legally or morally) in the face of what must have been a pretty scary situation.
He appeared to be totally non aggressive and it is this sort of action that makes changes in society.

Thankyou Jules

Acher

[Ukwildlifeo]

Originally Posted by BillyPilgrim

After listening to the sound clip of the young lad being bullied and harrassed I became convinced that no matter what the law says (or doesn't say) it will not make any difference to some members of the police force.

YouTube - Photographer detained in Romford

The officers in this clip are no better than the playground bully. They simply don't like the fact that the lad knows the law (and he knows it far better than they do!) and isn't going to be pushed around or intimidated. Instead of bowing out gracefully and leaving him to go about his lawful business, they keep on and on, inventing different reasons for detaining him. I hope that the lad makes a complaint and the officers are disciplined.

Oh dear, now I'm having second thoughts on popping down for some outdoor photography inspired urban wildlife. Might be in trouble if I walk around with my 500mm! Having lived in Romford all my life and seen what goes on in the town centre I'd have thought they'd be too busy to bother photographers! Never had any problem with the police but I rarely have my camera on show in the town