Police powers on photography in public places – the facts
THE Press Gazette reports that the Chartered Institute of Journalists is to give “journalists and photographers across the UK are being given wallet-sized guides outlining their legal rights to take photographs in public places”.
The guideline is applicable to everyone:
Members of the media have a duty to take photographs and film incidents and we have no legal power or moral responsibility to prevent or restrict what they record. It is a matter for their editors to control what is published or broadcast, not the police. Once images are recorded, we have no power to delete or confiscate them without a court order, even if we think they contain damaging or useful evidence.
If someone who is distressed or bereaved asks for police to intervene to prevent members of the media filming or photographing them, we may pass on their request but we have no power to prevent or restrict media activity. If they are trespassing on private property, the person who owns or controls the premises may eject them and may ask for your help in preventing a breach of the peace
while they do so. The media have their own rules of conduct and complaints procedures if members of the public object…Members of the media do not need a permit to photograph or film in public place…
No-one needs a permit. The rules apply to anyone and everyone. You do not need to be professional and carry a card. The concept “members of the media” is arcane. See twitter. Even the police tweet. They’re in the media now…
Posted: 2nd, March 2012 | In: Reviews Comment (1) | TrackBack | Permalink
