The Virtual Pub
Come Inside... => The Commons => Topic started by: Barman on February 05, 2009, 10:42:15 AM
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Jail for photographing police?
The relationship between photographers and police could worsen next month when new laws are introduced that allow for the arrest - and imprisonment - of anyone who takes pictures of officers 'likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism'.
Set to become law on 16 February, the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 amends the Terrorism Act 2000 regarding offences relating to information about members of armed forces, a member of the intelligence services, or a police officer.
The new set of rules, under section 76 of the 2008 Act and section 58A of the 2000 Act, will target anyone who 'elicits or attempts to elicit information about (members of armed forces) ... which is of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism'.
A person found guilty of this offence could be liable to imprisonment for up to 10 years, and to a fine.
The law is expected to increase the anti-terrorism powers used today by police officers to stop photographers, including press photographers, from taking pictures in public places. 'Who is to say that police officers won't abuse these powers,' asks freelance photographer Justin Tallis, who was threatened by an officer last week.
Tallis, a London-based photographer, was covering the anti-BBC protest on Saturday 24 January when he was approached by a police officer. Tallis had just taken a picture of the officer, who then asked to see the picture. The photographer refused, arguing that, as a press photographer, he had a right to take pictures of police officers.
According to Tallis, the officer then tried to take the camera away. Before giving up, the officer said that Tallis 'shouldn't have taken that photo, you were intimidating me'. The incident was caught on camera by photojournalist Marc Vallee.
Tallis is a member of the National Union of Journalists and the British Press Photographers' Association. 'The incident lasted just 10 seconds, but you don't expect a police officer to try to pull your camera from your neck,' Tallis tells BJP.
Source (http://www.bjp-online.com/public/showPage.html?page=836675)
See also Leg-Iron (http://leg-iron.livejournal.com/)
noooo:
I shall leave my camera here when I come out in May...
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Very wise BM
about two months ago a friend of mine spotted a notice, ungrammatically written, which also managed to directly contradict itself stuck to the doors of the local hospital. So game for a laugh he whipped out his mobile and took a shot of it ~ intending to publish it on Flickr. He was pounced upon by private security officers employed by the hospital who tried to confiscate his phone. He told them in no uncertain terms to feck off.
He collected his wife from the outpatient appointment she had been attending and drove home. One hour later he was surprised to find two police officers from the armed response unit on his doorstep demanding to see the camera phone. The Security Guard had noted his number and reported the matter to plod who, this being Nulabour Britain, over-reacted as usual. My friend told the cops to "get the feck off my doorstep" and they arrested him for obstruction. They then demanded his camera phone. Again he refused to give it to them and told them to get a search warrant, told his wife to contact his solicitor and was taken to the police station where he was questioned for four hours. Eventually the solicitor got him out on police bail. The solicitor then asked the hospital for (i) a copy of their policy regarding photography on the premises (which we all accept falls within the definition of private property) and (ii) a copy of the notice. In response to the first request the hospital was unable to produce any such document relating to photography because they didn't actually have a written policy and on the second they were "unable to find the notice in question".
After ensuring that I had a copy (since returned to him and now with his solicitor) my pal deleted the picture from his phone, went to Carphone Warehouse and got an upgraded (thus "clean") phone and, on the appointed day, answered his bail with his solicitor in tow. A Police Inspector asked him if he would accept a "caution" which the solicitor immediately declined. Police bail was extended by a week and they then once again reported to the Police Station to be informed that the matter was "not being proceeded with". Letters concerning wrongful arrest, infringement of rights etc etc are still flying back and forth.
I should add that my friend is Glaswegian and takes no prisoners!
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I am coming to distrust the plod more and more!
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Having worked with them (mainly the Met) for many years I have never trusted them.
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Very wise BM
about two months ago a friend of mine spotted a notice, ungrammatically written, which also managed to directly contradict itself stuck to the doors of the local hospital. So game for a laugh he whipped out his mobile and took a shot of it ~ intending to publish it on Flickr. He was pounced upon by private security officers employed by the hospital who tried to confiscate his phone. He told them in no uncertain terms to feck off.
He collected his wife from the outpatient appointment she had been attending and drove home. One hour later he was surprised to find two police officers from the armed response unit on his doorstep demanding to see the camera phone. The Security Guard had noted his number and reported the matter to plod who, this being Nulabour Britain, over-reacted as usual. My friend told the cops to "get the feck off my doorstep" and they arrested him for obstruction. They then demanded his camera phone. Again he refused to give it to them and told them to get a search warrant, told his wife to contact his solicitor and was taken to the police station where he was questioned for four hours. Eventually the solicitor got him out on police bail. The solicitor then asked the hospital for (i) a copy of their policy regarding photography on the premises (which we all accept falls within the definition of private property) and (ii) a copy of the notice. In response to the first request the hospital was unable to produce any such document relating to photography because they didn't actually have a written policy and on the second they were "unable to find the notice in question".
After ensuring that I had a copy (since returned to him and now with his solicitor) my pal deleted the picture from his phone, went to Carphone Warehouse and got an upgraded (thus "clean") phone and, on the appointed day, answered his bail with his solicitor in tow. A Police Inspector asked him if he would accept a "caution" which the solicitor immediately declined. Police bail was extended by a week and they then once again reported to the Police Station to be informed that the matter was "not being proceeded with". Letters concerning wrongful arrest, infringement of rights etc etc are still flying back and forth.
I should add that my friend is Glaswegian and takes no prisoners!
It is all just utterly outrageous... noooo:
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Fancy a stroll to New Scotland Yard?
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=47417324089&ref=mf
http://bastardoldholborn.blogspot.com/2009/02/smile-please.html
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All this kind of stuff feeds my incipient paranoia tbh. I read so much now about surveillance, Jacqui Boot, ID cards, CCTV cameras, police powers and the like that increasingly I feel like I am looking over my shoulder all the time. Good luck if you go. Didn't you get followed home last time? scared2:
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I know what you mean Nick ~ it's enough to keep one awake at night.
Seriously though I've developed a 'them and us' attitude and I don't feel I can trust the police any more.
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A surprising number of people feel likewise, judging by my acquaintances. My cousin was a coppper (Met), he got so disgusted by the things he was asked to do that he took a demotion, moved out of London and spent his time going round schools on a bike doing road safety stuff for kids
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Very wise BM
about two months ago a friend of mine spotted a notice, ungrammatically written, which also managed to directly contradict itself stuck to the doors of the local hospital. So game for a laugh he whipped out his mobile and took a shot of it ~ intending to publish it on Flickr. He was pounced upon by private security officers employed by the hospital who tried to confiscate his phone. He told them in no uncertain terms to feck off.
He collected his wife from the outpatient appointment she had been attending and drove home. One hour later he was surprised to find two police officers from the armed response unit on his doorstep demanding to see the camera phone. The Security Guard had noted his number and reported the matter to plod who, this being Nulabour Britain, over-reacted as usual. My friend told the cops to "get the feck off my doorstep" and they arrested him for obstruction. They then demanded his camera phone. Again he refused to give it to them and told them to get a search warrant, told his wife to contact his solicitor and was taken to the police station where he was questioned for four hours. Eventually the solicitor got him out on police bail. The solicitor then asked the hospital for (i) a copy of their policy regarding photography on the premises (which we all accept falls within the definition of private property) and (ii) a copy of the notice. In response to the first request the hospital was unable to produce any such document relating to photography because they didn't actually have a written policy and on the second they were "unable to find the notice in question".
After ensuring that I had a copy (since returned to him and now with his solicitor) my pal deleted the picture from his phone, went to Carphone Warehouse and got an upgraded (thus "clean") phone and, on the appointed day, answered his bail with his solicitor in tow. A Police Inspector asked him if he would accept a "caution" which the solicitor immediately declined. Police bail was extended by a week and they then once again reported to the Police Station to be informed that the matter was "not being proceeded with". Letters concerning wrongful arrest, infringement of rights etc etc are still flying back and forth.
I should add that my friend is Glaswegian and takes no prisoners!
How odd.
I have a lovely photo of the Chief Constable in full regalia at a Lodge meeting and I have never had any trouble from the police whatsoever, for anything, ever.
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(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.telegraph.co.uk%2Ftelegraph%2Fmultimedia%2Farchive%2F00797%2Fbrunstrom-220_797797f.jpg&hash=0dd8f4e5f038d793620fb0b4fa4678053044364e)
(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.dailymail.co.uk%2Fi%2Fpix%2F2006%2F08%2Fbrunstomrobes_228x439.jpg&hash=84656709f90dcae5df1e273eacfb1b065349f39f)
(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.north-wales.police.uk%2Fportal%2Fphotos%2Facpoblogs%2Fimages%2F2971%2F266x400.aspx&hash=14852fb3326a3ce253cf618dfc00e95e03137625)
Our Chief Constable likes to dress up too ~ but it doesn't seem to help
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Report to follow (assuming I haven't been incarcerated). The annoyance is that the (IMHO) twat Thomas is allegedly going to be there.
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Thomas?
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Thomas?
Doubting or John?
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Thomas?
Doubting or John?
Tank Engine...
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Mark Thomas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_Thomas
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm)
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm)
We are truly fvcked. Freedom of speech is now a thing of the past. Say goodbye to liberty folks, you are now a potential troublemaker.
Monday will be fun, I will attend and I foresee fireworks.
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm)
We are truly fvcked. Freedom of speech is now a thing of the past. Say goodbye to liberty folks, you are now a potential troublemaker.
Monday will be fun, I will attend and I foresee fireworks.
Bravo you!
LL asked if I would have attended if I was in the UK - Of course I bloody well would! razz:
Mind you, I wouldn't have taken my DSLR with me.... noooo: A cheap throw-away, just in case like.... whistle:
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm)
We are truly fvcked. Freedom of speech is now a thing of the past. Say goodbye to liberty folks, you are now a potential troublemaker.
Monday will be fun, I will attend and I foresee fireworks.
Bravo you!
LL asked if I would have attended if I was in the UK - Of course I bloody well would! razz:
Mind you, I wouldn't have taken my DSLR with me.... noooo: A cheap throw-away, just in case like.... whistle:
I will simply take a SLR...
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm)
We are truly fvcked. Freedom of speech is now a thing of the past. Say goodbye to liberty folks, you are now a potential troublemaker.
Monday will be fun, I will attend and I foresee fireworks.
Bravo you!
LL asked if I would have attended if I was in the UK - Of course I bloody well would! razz:
Mind you, I wouldn't have taken my DSLR with me.... noooo: A cheap throw-away, just in case like.... whistle:
I will simply take a SLR...
I'd buy a throw-away in boots just in case the Stazi take it from you... noooo:
Oh and take a picture of your arse first as a nice surprise when they get the 'evidence' developed! happy088
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7885918.stm)
We are truly fvcked. Freedom of speech is now a thing of the past. Say goodbye to liberty folks, you are now a potential troublemaker.
Monday will be fun, I will attend and I foresee fireworks.
Bravo you!
LL asked if I would have attended if I was in the UK - Of course I bloody well would! razz:
Mind you, I wouldn't have taken my DSLR with me.... noooo: A cheap throw-away, just in case like.... whistle:
I will simply take a SLR...
... and a Press badge? rubschin:
Seriously, does this apply to Press gang?
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Wrong sort of SLR...
(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.postimage.org%2FaV1PgYJ0.jpg&hash=141e6f6cb6d8113a9105c4b7c1812cc24a02ba22) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV1PgYJ0)
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Wrong sort of SLR...
(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.postimage.org%2FaV1PgYJ0.jpg&hash=141e6f6cb6d8113a9105c4b7c1812cc24a02ba22) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV1PgYJ0)
;D
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I can't wait to see the Met trying to round up the three thousand Japanese to be found everyday all taking photos of one another standing in front of every public/government building throughout Central London.
(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi3.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fy67%2FPM5K4999%2FLondon%2FDSC01165.jpg&hash=bafcbbe7393638c31f776859ced9eef14953ec80)
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(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.postimage.org%2FPq2kK7bJ.jpg&hash=66115066758f6b4de1aa0aea64d2db98bd638b91) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq2kK7bJ)
happ096
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Wasn't TMR going along?
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(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.postimage.org%2FPq2kK7bJ.jpg&hash=66115066758f6b4de1aa0aea64d2db98bd638b91) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=Pq2kK7bJ)
happ096
Excellent! cloud9:
Well done everybody involved....
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Not that I want to worry anyone on here but looking at the way the government is going as far as surveillance and free speech are concerned some of the members here may be having 'accidents' soon...
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'Ello, ello. Who've we got 'ere then? 2 masks to the right of the flash.
(https://www.virtual-pub.com/SMF/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.postimage.org%2FaV240fhJ.jpg&hash=d376aec7055b5bd0b4c782643b811b1594534f42) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV240fhJ)
Edit: Link added:
http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/standard/article-23643922-details/Police+protest+over+terror+law+ban+on+holiday+snaps/article.do
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I didn't go - things weren't hanging properly...
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happy100
eeek: