Whilst attending the Labour Party conference in Manchester I noticed the Police filming (with camcorders) and taking photographs (with telescopic lens) of the public. Whilst sitting at a cafe I found myself being filmed by a Police officer for no reason.
What is the law related to this, surely they have to have good cause and also notify you why they are doing this? If you are carrying a lawful activity what right do they have to photograph you. Where are the images and video stored, and how will they be used by the Police?
What is the best way to deal with Police if you catch them doing this to you? Can Data Protection Laws help?
2006-09-27 02:23:22 · 15 answers · asked by its_a_doozy 1 in Politics & Government ➔ Law Enforcement & Police
The Police now have the powers to record anything and anyone now under the laws of P.A.C.E (the police and criminal evidence act),and can use this to bring any criminal to justice.
In relation to Manchester they are covered under the Anti Terrorism Act,and you don't have to worry because when they have seen the films they are wiped so you will not be on film for long,also they were not really interested in you sitting in a Cafe unless you are on their list.
Quite often members of the Security Services will wear Police Uniforms in order for them to carry out their duties.
If you are doing nothing wrong you have nothing to worry about,but at the same time you would complain if they were not doing their job and Terrorists struck.
2006-09-27 02:46:15 · answer #1 · answered by mentor 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Well David T where have you been living for the last 5 years, under a rock? Welcome. The reason the Police were filming you and others was to get a data base of digital photos in case there needed to be a criminal investigation later. The images will be scanned and any known criminals or terrorists will be identified as being there. You already knew that didn't you? If your innocent don't worry, the photos are being used in a responsible manner. In today's climate of terrorism, the use of new technology is Paramount. The digital photos are stored in a ultra secure network, used by Law Enforcement personnel around the world. Now go back to sleep.
2006-09-27 09:51:30 · answer #2 · answered by Ross 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You will find that there are laws/guidelines & warrants etc. required to film someone INSIDE their home or even perhaps if the camera is to be trained ON the door of the home - Human Rights - Right to Privacy.
However, in public, you can be filmed/photographed. For the purposes of anti-terrorism, intelligence gathering, crime reduction, solving crime etc. etc.
If you are doing nothing wrong, it should not be a problem - indeed it could even prove your innocence!
In the main, the aim would be to make this a safer country to live in - especially in the current climate.
2006-09-27 11:48:56 · answer #3 · answered by Sally J 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I believe the law applies equally to the police as it does to the press or any member of the public who take photographs in public places.
A photo taken in a public place does not need any permission of the subject, although it would be considerate to ask if they were the sole subject.
Privacy remains an important area of public concern, particularly so far as photographers are concerned. For photography of private events the important factors are surely consent and context. Those being photographed have a right to know what you are doing and what use you are going to make of the pictures. If you take pictures for one purpose - as a friend or participant in the event then you have no automatic right to put them to other uses.
The Data Protection Act I believe applies to the storage of personal information how "unknown faces" are covered by the act may be well worth looking into.
2006-09-27 10:07:36 · answer #4 · answered by InnerGuard 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
totally legal ,you can do it as well, but the police can not record your voice with out a court order, OK, that's violation of privacy act , and if they have a court order to do this, they can only record audio for 3 min and a 15 min pause that's the law, they were definitely watching someone or something ,that's the only reason they were there
2006-09-27 10:25:29 · answer #5 · answered by Mechanical 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If the surveillance is not directed surveillance authority is not required. You are unable to copyright your own image. Data Protection does not apply as you have not become a data subject
2006-09-27 17:51:22 · answer #6 · answered by GRILL 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
what the hell is everyone worried about..you are filmed/videoed approx 250 to 300 times a day on average in the streets /shops/the petrol station/and on major roads and motorways..so i personally ain't worried its there for my protection..ie case recently .man arrested for shoplifting..when shop recording was viewed it wasn't him!! hes now suing the backside off the bill,mind you it works well the other way too,they actually get it right too.cameras are nearly everywhere these days,but i am not worried..i look for them these days and if static,there will always be a blind spot,this is what the shoplifters look for..i hasten to add that I'm not a shoplifter..!!
2006-09-27 12:21:32 · answer #7 · answered by hondanut 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I'm sure they were filming and taking pics for a good reason. they probably were watching someone ( not you) and maybe they saw you talking to that person. if they are watching someone they don't have to tell you that they are gonna be filming or taking pictures that just ruins the whole operation. cause if you knew the person they were watching and they told you, you would go tell that person they were watching him, it would blow the whole thing.
2006-09-27 11:13:09 · answer #8 · answered by Angie 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://groups.google.com/group/alt.gathering.rainbow/browse_thread/thread/49ff59f145e868e2/dc4b6d3e9ecab54a?hl=en#dc4b6d3e9ecab54a
Here's an article on how we were treated at Wakarusa 2006, a music festival this summer held in Kansas USA. The cops had the most sophisticated equipment imaginable. They could see everywhere on the grounds, even at night and into tents. Ten percent of the people there were arrested. Apparently it IS legal. I admit I was afraid and hope no one attends their festival again. Our only response is to avoid giving them our money.
I was personally chased by an armed cop on a bicycle for taking HIS picture. I run real fast for an old man lol!
Here's my story and pictures from Waka
http://www.lurker00.com/wakarusa2006/
2006-09-27 09:31:13 · answer #9 · answered by Michael 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you are in a public place then anyone has the right to photograph / film you.
Data protrection doesn't apply.
Hence the proliferation of street mounted cameras, to 'deter and prevent crime'.
2006-09-27 09:39:59 · answer #10 · answered by strawman 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋