It was a while back in 2008, that a photographer was formally stopped by the police for enjoying his hobby. Police assume that if someone is taking photos with a professional camera, somewhere that isn’t really a top spot for photography, is trying to take photographs of children, terrorist activity or to invade someones privacy. Recently, the cheif Chief of Police have sent messages to all Police Staff saying that it is not against the law.
Section 44 gives officers no specific powers in relation to photography and there is no provision in law for the confiscation of equipment or the destruction of images, either digital or on film.

Grant Smith of London:

“My camera bag was searched for terrorist related paraphernalia (notebooks and maps I assume), despite my lame protestations.

The police officer again asked for my details as he produced his stop search form. When I said that I was not obliged to give the details, he said I would be physically searched, which did not sound like a very pleasant experience. So I gave my details and was not detained any longer.

All of this was because I declined to be bullied or intimidated by a security officer, who now have what appears to be the full backing of the police in their assessment of photographers.”

Recently on the 14th of December 2009, a senior Scotland Yard officer said that photographers should not be stopped unless it is for a very good reason.

We think that it’s terrible that the police assume that anyone taking photographs is up to something bad.

To find out more go to http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8413016.stm

http://photographernotaterrorist.org/