At the same time that head cameras are being heralded as a breakthough for the police, they are harassing photographers.
"Marc Vallee, a photojournalist who specialises in covering protests, said photographers were frequently harassed by police using stop and search powers under section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000. The new powers would be too vague to prevent abuse.
Jeremy Dear, general secretary of the NUJ, said: "Police officers ... believe they have the power to delete images or to take editorial decisions about what can and can't be photographed. The right to take photos in a public place is a precious freedom. It is what enables the press to show the wider world what is going on." "
Very worrying.
2 comments:
There has been a lot of talk of this on photography forums/websites for a long while now. I think there was recent clarification from Downing Street, though whether the Police will take much notice I don't know???
It's not just protests though - there have been reports of photographers taking pictures of events (Christmas lights turning on), buildings, street scenes, parks etc all being approached by the Police and either made to delete photographs/hand over film, questioned or (I think) detained.
It worries me that some members of the Police Force seem so willing to use their powers even when not necessary, and adopt heavy handed tactics without really considering the implications of doing so (as I have seen recently although in different circumstances, the fallout from which is still going to be with us for months to come).
Good to have some informed comment!
And so quickly!
Thanks
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