Simon Pow Photography » Photography Is Not A Crime

Police Reminded That Photography Isn’t A crime

Simon — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 12:45:24 +0000

The Metropolitan Police has issued guidance to its officers, reminding them that using a camera in public is not in itself a terrorist offence.

“Members of the public and the media do not need a permit to film or photograph in public places and police have no power to stop them filming or photographing incidents or police personnel.”

The guidance goes on to clarify Section 58a of the Terrorism Act 2000, stating:

“It should ordinarily be considered inappropriate to use Section 58a to arrest people photographing police officers in the course of normal policing activities, including protests, as without more, there is no link to terrorism.”

Clarifying this law is great news for photographers, but only if it makes it to the front line. It’s not much comfort knowing the officer is in the wrong and that you’ll ultimately be released without charge when you are sat in a cell and your camera’s bee seized.

Let’t hope this improve.

{lang: 'en-GB'}

Amtrak security arrest man for entering Amtrak photo contest

Simon — Wed, 04 Feb 2009 12:53:24 +0000

Photo: Duane Kerzic

Whilst standing on the public platform in New York’s Penn Station, taking pictures of trains to enter Amtrak’s “Picture Our Trains” photography competition, photographer Duane Kerzic was arrested by Amtrak’s own security guards and charged with trespassing and refusing to delete his images.

Trespassing? In a public place? Really? And why should Duane delete his photographs? If photography is illegal, why ask him to delete evidence? If it isn’t, what right do they have to insist he formats his card?

US TV show “The Colbert Report” duly takes the mickey

The Colbert ReportMon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c

Nailed ‘Em – Amtrak Photographer

Colbert Report Full Episodes
Paul McCartney Appearance

Funny Political Videos
More Funny Videos

{lang: 'en-GB'}

New UK Terror Law To Make Photographing Police Illegal

Simon — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 09:14:38 +0000

From PrisonPlanet.com: “New laws set to be passed in England and Canada would make it illegal to use bad language or take photographs of police officers, moving us further away from the idea of police as public servants and more towards the notion of cops assuming God-like status.”

This is madness! The UK has more CCTV cameras than any other country (1 for every 14 people). If anyone objects to being filmed all day everyday the Police/Government’s stock reply is: “If you aren’t doing anything wrong, you have no reason to fear cameras”. Which raises the question, what do the Police have to hide?

Being able to document the actions of the Police is one of the few remaining ways we can hold them accountable. Without that right, we are one step closer to a Police state. Write to your MP.

{lang: 'en-GB'}

The War on Photography

Simon — Sat, 21 Jun 2008 11:00:24 +0000

A great piece of film making by Rajesh Thind, highlighting the confusion around just when and where you can and can’t take photographs.

{lang: 'en-GB'}