The Government have given the police new powers, which are likely to be used to prevent anybody taking photographs of police officers. The rationale is that such information could be useful or used by terrorists.
From The Register:
The new law makes it an offence to elicit or attempt to elicit information about an individual who is or has been a member of Her Majesty’s forces, a member of any of the intelligence services or a constable, "which is of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism, or publishes or communicates any such information".
However, the police, who are more than happy to photograph and film people taking part in peaceful protests, demonstrations and marches, are notoriously reticent about other people filming them at such events. They will now be able to use this law to prevent people turning the cameras on them, and arresting those who continue to so do.
Meanwhile, that nice Mark Thomas has produced a handy cut-out-and-keep card that can be produced and proffered to a police officer in the event of a stop-and-search being intrusive, unlawful or malicious. He is also leading a protest at New Scotland Yard next week, against the new law. As this is within the parliamentary exclusion zone, and people will probably bring cameras with them, we will have to see how the police chose to use their new powers.
2 comments:
On the positive side, it makes all thos 'Police! Camera! Action!' programmes illegal.
Why oh why do people think that everything the police do is illegal or intending to infringe or stop your rights?
The police are generally covered under the PACE act apart from some Counter Terorism legislation that believe you me, if you were a police officer facing some of theses terrorists you would want on your side!
Everything a police officer does should be Adequate & reasonable and be done to either..
a) discharge their lawful duty or..
b) Protect life & property / Maintain Order / Prevent or Detect Crime / Prosecute offenders against the peace.
If its not for this then YES its illegal!
But let me remind those who think the police are above the law that they are not. Every officer has Regualtion 13 over their head, and Professional Standards are all to quick to enforce this on anyone who steps over the line in discharging their duty.
Just remember also that Terrorists ave BRAINS, they are not thick and will go on intelligence gathering missions during these "peaceful" marches to do a reccy.
So STOP thinking the police & gvmnt are out to get you all the time!
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