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Supporting the rights of photographers - The Metropolitan Police Federation believe the new anti-terrorist legislations could stop lawful activities.
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Jargon Buster: Off
The Metropolitan Police Federation (MPF) believe the new anti-terrorist legislation is “poorly-drafted” and that it “could be used to justify unwarranted interference in their lawful activities.”They continued: “Does the law mean tourists are going to be rounded up and arrested for taking suspicious photos of iconic scenes around the capital? That will work wonders for the international reputation of the London Bobby and for the city as a whole as a welcoming destination.
If there is a terrorist attack in the capital, will the media concentrate their efforts on fire and ambulance crews and prudently avoid broadcasting or publishing pictures of police officers, rendering them invisible to the public?”
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I am pleased that the MPF are adopting this stance towards this important issue of liberty.
The MPF represent the constable ranks and I am confident that they support the pragmatic, common-sense approach to this issue that we all wish to see. An approach which is often overlooked by the lawyers and senior police officers, clouded in their self-importance, who are concerned in the formation of the laws that seem to be ludicrously designed and thought-out!
I for one welcome the MPF's overt support.
Best wishes, Iain.
Having seen some of the videos on youtube and the reactions and authoritarian attitudes of not just the full time police officers but also the community officers (who don't even have any powers), it makes me wonder why the MPF don't start an educational programme to teach bobbies how to respond to members of the public.
After all, beat officers don't act on their own initiative, they work according to non-legalese briefings based on interpretations of statute issued either directly by the Home Office or by the Chief Constables (all 44 of whom are members of ACPO) .
In any case, why pick on those carrying conspicuously obvious photographic equipment (SLR, dSLR) when all you need for covert photography are dinky little cameras which you can hide in the palm of your hand. Even small mobile phones can take decent pictures without the use of flash in daylight hours.
No 'terrorist' is going to want to be seen photographing a possible target. Even MI5 have confirmed that it does'nt make much sense to realise that.
So its another excuse to make 'plod' rise above his station and force more repression on the general public as is most of the anti terrorist act .ie cameras in dustbins etc etc et Gestapo !
Quote: In any case, why pick on those carrying conspicuously obvious photographic equipment (SLR, dSLR) when all you need for covert photography are dinky little cameras which you can hide in the palm of your hand. .......
Because it is easy to pick on them rather than more discrete camera users!
Like it is easy to pick on motorists.........
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