Anti-terrorism law and photography

[David Johnson]

Hi
Apologies for highjacking Max's thread on Mylene Klass.

Given there are a number of photographers/videomakers who post on here, I thought I would have this as a separate thread.

The link to this Home Office circular might be of use to those who have been/may be hassled by police whilst taking photographs/video on the streets. It attempts to clarify what police may/may not do.


http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/p ... index.html

Cheers
D

[planeterotica]

Funny this, as some may be aware i have taken part in all of the London Naked Bike Rides since they started in 2004 and apart from the first one which just skirted the perimiter road of Hyde Park they have all gone through central London including past the Houses of Parliement, thousands of photos ney millions probably have been taken of this event including uniformed Old Bill posing with the naked girls and i have posted a few on this forum in the past, so if you want to take pics of London landmarks join the thousands of us this year on Sat June 12th at Hyde Park 3.0pm naked or clothed, this is a registered protest and has police approval and police outriders for your own safety, so come on guys & girls get involved this is not just about global warming or cooling, its about Liberty !wink!

[Nob3y]

thanks,was wondering about this law.
I am hoping for two things,
first, a half decent summer
second,to get out and about london and take some pics of old buildings and places of interest.

I suppose it will be a case of not hanging about too long taking pics in any one area and avoid places like stations ??

[Peter]

Nob3y wrote:

> I suppose it will be a case of not hanging about too long
> taking pics in any one area and avoid places like stations ??
>

Nope, it will just be a case of not collecting information useful to terrorism.

A copper has to have *reasonable* suspicion your doing that, merely taking pictures is not reasonable grounds. of course, they don't know that, they just have a new law they can bully people with to look big, Like that gum-chewing PCSO moron in the clip I posted earlier.



Your Rights
If you are stopped and searched under section 44 of the Terrorism Act, you do *not* have to give your:
‣ Name
‣ Address
‣Date of Birth
‣DNA,
or
‣Reason for being there
‣Nor do you have to explain where you are going.

However, if the police decide that there is reasonable suspicion to arrest you for an offence, you do have to give your name and address.
? You do not have to comply with any attempt to photograph you, although you cannot flee the scene.
? The Police cannot delete any images on your camera. They can only view them in very limited circumstances.
? If you are driving a vehicle, when stopped you must give your name and address.
? Failure to stop or obstructing a police constable acting under section 44 is a criminal offence.

Police Powers
Under s44, a police constable in uniform is entitled to:
?Pat you down
?Detain you for the duration of the search
?Remove outer clothing
?Require you to remove any item which he reasonably believes you are wearing to conceal your identity
?Look through your pockets and anything you are carrying
?Seize any article he reasonably suspects is intended to be used in connection with terrorism.
?Search your vehicle and anyone in it.

What You Should Do
?Insist on a written record of the search
?Make sure it is legible and includes details of the officers? shoulder number and the reason for the stop.
?Note exactly why they said you were being stopped and searched ? this may be more extensive than the reference in the record slip.
?Ask to see the officers? warrant card and note the number. (This is useful when making a complaint if they have moved stations and their shoulder number changes)

Note
A Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) may not perform a s44 search without a police officer present.


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