Came across this news item over the weekend that should be of interest to photographers everywhere and in the U.K. in particular:
Whereas in the past the police have not had the power to prevent photographs being taken of them, from today they have. Under the new Counter-Terrorism Act it is an offence to take pictures of officers “likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism”. This is such a catch-all measure that it can be used—and, in view of recent trends, will be used—to prevent photographs to which the police object merely by invoking counter-terrorist requirements. While it is important for officers involved in such operations to maintain anonymity, many photographers fear these powers will be abused.
It’s a disturbing trend. It’s also kind of disturbing that this has passed without much protest (or have I just missed it all because I’m on the wrong side of the Atlantic/not paying attention?)
Read the full story: Why can’t we take pictures of policemen?
Yep, you’re on the wrong side of the Atlantic. The National Union of Journalists was protesting, for one thing.
Despite that, I think the british public are getting used to the downward slide into a police state where security theater is the order of the day.
I’m scared for us.
We’re getting pretty sick and tired of the whole “talk liberty but do something else” thing.
http://www.photospy.co.uk/?q=content/government-brings-down-shutters-shutters
Still, it’s good to see the Telegraph doing an article on the thing.
Hi. Here’s a video clip of the police in action.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HECMVdl-9SQ
It is worth noting that, had the police realised that they were being filmed they could have arrested the photographer under the Counter Terrorism Act 2008 and confiscated the film.
Fortunately they didn’t notice.