Wednesday, October 24, 2007

It's illegal to film the police

"No it isn't."

"Yes, it is. Put that camera down."

"No it isn't. Under what law is it illegal?"

"Sarge..."

Via LMWN:

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Does anyone know if the cameraman was OK here only because he was on his own property, or is it OK to film in public too?

Peter Risdon said...

I think it's OK, period.

flashgordonnz said...

That's an increadable clip. Obviously the police officers did not like being filmed, having aspects of their identity recorded, whilst they go about their business.
Perhaps they SHOULD bring it up with their MP. But rather than restrict the use of CCTV or other govt intrusions on the public's privacy, etc, a new law will be passed banning the filming of police. Under terror laws, most likely.

Anonymous said...

That was awesome! Not only was Darren polite, but he did what every citizen in a self-proclaimed free country should do. He took some time to learn his rights! What I love the most is how polite even the police were. Here in America, he would have been treated like trash, had his camera taken away, and detained long before any of the dolts arresting him would have bothered to find out that he was well within his rights and the law. It's a shame... but it's nice to see that even across the Atlantic there are uniformed bigots packing law enforcement tools all without the slightest idea of what the law actually is... Good on ya Darren!

Anonymous said...

Bastards

Anonymous said...

He was not polite, it is an offence to film anyone without their consent. If he knows and want his own rights respected he should respect the rights of the others.
The act in question is stated in the terrorism act, section 58 1a. Up to a maximum of 10 years.
Under section 82 3a, gives the constable the ability to seize the camera or any other media without warrant.
I also remember during a law lecture being told how an officer arrested an individual for taken pictures of his police van, the camera was destroyed and the individual prosecuted.
Can i also add, it's people like you who do not respect the authority that these hard working and qualified people are doing that makes their lives so much harder. If you don't think that these people are fit to police then change it, by all means become a police officer, and memorise all the acts of parliament become a high ranking officer and make the changes yourself; instead of whining about all this crap.

Anonymous said...

Anyone who thinks that it should be illegal to film police should do the world a favor and kill themselves. No loss.

Anonymous said...

On all those police shows where members of the public or the people they are arresting say they dont want to be filmed, the police say the camera man is doing nothing wrong and has every right to film what he or she wants.. now isnt that the case when a member of the public films the police?

Anonymous said...

It began with them harassing him and ended with him harassing them.

Anonymous said...

when the guy filming asked for their names, that was an offense to not reply. Same if he had asked for their numbers. This bloke seemed like a nice man...I bet they wouldn't have confronted him if he was an ethnic minority, or someone who looked violent. Every policeman has their own views and agendas. Most do not know the meaning of discretion. Reminds me of the case with Emily Apple, last year.

Anonymous said...

If it is an offense to film without consent, then does that make the use of CCTV an offense, as i have never given my consent to be filmed? By the way, i live in Hampshire, which is reported to have over 200,000 CCTV cameras.