Guidelines to help photographers

DunDiggin

5

2 Dec 2008 - 11:34 AM

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That's a very brief piece of guidance, as far as photography is concerned, buried within a much larger document on anti-terrorism stop and search. As such, it leaves the reader having to presume that the meaning is for photographers to be allowed to photograph freely other than in exceptional circumstances. It doesn't read as clearly as that, but it does emphasise the seriousness of Section 43 or 44 searches and that there are no powers to delete or force the deletion of images.

Not the clear guidance most photographers would wish for, and relating only to anti-terror law, so not covering other legislation.

I think that, from most photographers' perspective, a clear publication about what they can/cannot photograph and how they stand in law is what is really required.

Mike Otley (e2 Member)

8

2 Dec 2008 - 12:57 PM

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The actual wording is:

2.8 PHOTOGRAPHY
The Terrorism Act 2000 does not prohibit people from taking photographs or digital images (their emphasis) in an area where an authority under section 44 is in place. Officers should notprevent 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 TerrorismAct 2000 or an arrest should be considered. Film and memory cards may be seized as part of the search, but officers do not have a 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.

Jools_jti

5

2 Dec 2008 - 3:20 PM

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After reading this lengthy document, I am still no further assured that the same treatment of photographers will not continue.

The wording only gives guidance that images should not be viewed or cameras operated to preserve evidence. How is it determined that the images should be considered evidence without viewing? The police therefore can only deal with a suspected violation by seizing camera equipment for forensic analysis.

There are many points that are not addressed and this document adds nothing to what legislation was already in place, and ignored.

Photographers will have to remain on their toes and need to be prepared to question their treatment.

mattswain

4

3 Dec 2008 - 9:00 PM

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I can imagine the average copper will apologise for their ignorance and then assist you take your photos by clearing passers by out of the way that are blocking your view of the subject when confronted with a piece of paper that tells them that they don't know what the law actually is!!!! Yeah, right. Course they will. I'm not holding my breath on this making any difference at all.

Coleslaw (e2 Member)

6

4 Dec 2008 - 1:22 PM

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Quote: Bottom line, nothing has changed.

exactly!!!