Guidance for photography

All I thought this may interest some of the Bankeyfields residents as we are always being warned against taking pictures or filming around the open space when we raise issues about Anti social behaviour. Hooliganism in old money..

Police powers concerning photographers.
Copy of a letter from Chief Constable Andrew Trotter (Chair of the APCO media advisory group) to his senior police colleagues.

Dear Colleagues

Guidance for Photographers

There have been a number of recent instance highlighted in the press where officers have detained photographers and deleted images from their cameras. I seek you support in reminding your officers and staff that they should not prevent anyone from taking photographs in public. This applies equally to members of the media and public seeking to record images, who do not need a permit to photograph or film in public places. ACPO guidance is as follows:

- There are no powers prohibiting the taking of photographs, film or digital images in a public place. Therefore members of the public and press should not be prevented from doing so.
- We need to co-operate with the media and amateur photographers. They play a vital role as their images help us catch criminals.
- We must acknowledge that citizen journalism is a feature of modern life and police officers are now photographed and filmed more than ever.
- Unnecessarily restricting photography, whether for the casual tourist or professional is unacceptable and it undermines public confidence in the police service.
- Once an image has been recorded the police have no power to delete or confiscate it without a court order.

If you require further guidance please refer to the ACPO website or contact my staff officer ***** ******,

Yours sincerely

Andrew Trotter etc.. etc..

Also see link for advice issued to Metropolitan Police Officers

http://www.met.police.uk/about/photography.htm