New Police guidelines on Street Photography
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New Police guidelines on Street Photography have been issued by the National Policing Improvement Agency announced in this month’s Market Newsletter from the Bureau of Freelance Photographers. This follows numerous problems with over zealous policing of innocent photographers, photographing in public places whether it is street photography or tourists etc. being accused of terrorism new Police Guidelines have been issued. Here is a short video clip that highlights the problem where some Police and Community Officers have been over zealous in applying the original Act on Terrorism or not aware of peoples’ rights in public spaces. |
 Big Brother is watching. Taken near the railway station in Bremen Germany. |
No doubt there are other underlying issues here regarding the protection of our children when the media have evoked paranoia in the public by implying anyone with a camera is a paedophile, which of course is complete rubbish. People who enjoy Street Photography simply enjoy capturing natural moments in our history to be recorded for future generations. This has gone on since the beginning of photography with photographers like Henry Cartier-bresson.
The guidelines on stop and search powers under the Terrorism Act have been issued by the national Policing Improvement Agency. Officers are reminded that the stop and search powers under the Terrorism Act are exceptional and should only be used in specific situations.
The guidelines cover many topics; however the section of specific interest is section 2.8 on photography, which states:
The Terrorism Act 2000 does not prohibit people from taking photographs or digital images in an area where an authority under section 44 is in place. Officers should not prevent people taking photographs unless they are in an area where photography is prevented by other legislation.
If officers reasonably suspect that photographs are being taken as part of hostile terrorist reconnaissance, a search under section 43 of the Terrorism Act 2000 or an arrest should be considered. Film and memory cards may be seized as part of the search, but officers do not have legal power to delete images or destroy film. Although images may be viewed as part of a search, to preserve evidence when cameras or other devices are seized, officers should not normally attempt to examine them. Cameras and other devices should be left in the state they were found and forwarded to appropriately trained staff for forensic examination. The person being searched should never be asked or allowed to turn the device on or off because of the danger of evidence being lost or damaged.
The whole guidelines available at: http://www.npia.police.uk/en/11700.htm
You may enjoy a few Street Photography pictures I took recently strolling the streets of Bremen in Germany recently
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PatB
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