Re: Interesting article on the amateur photographer hysteria

In article <3267f71c-f725-4ea4-adcc-1cdb2e8e4232
@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
>, juan.kerr@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
 says...

> We had a very nice RTA here a few months ago when I was at work, a
> stolen car swerved to avoid another vehicle and ended up upside down
> in a hedge at the end of our road.............my wife decided to take
> a few snaps but was prevented from doing so by Plod who told her
> effectively what you've said, i.e "you can't do that, it's against the
> law".
> 
> Now my wife is naive and took Plod at face value (I'd have told him to
> go away) but it makes you think who it is exactly who's instilling
> this false information into coppers on the streets?
> 
> Or do they make it up as they go along?

It does seem so at times, yes.

For future information, your wife was perfectly free to photograph that 
RTA and any policeman telling you otherwise needs re-educating.

There is no law that prevents photography in a public place - bar the 
common sense things concerning military installations and the like, but 
they're not 'public' places as such.

If ever I get that response I stand my ground and ask them what law 
prevents me - you'll find that they can't give you an answer, because 
there is none!  You just have to be prepared to stick it out, for it is 
they that are in the wrong, not you.

In future, ask to speak to his superior at the scene and failing that, 
ask for his badge number and make an official complaint - people need 
to realise that it is not they that are in the wrong.

-- 
Neil Barker