Be vigilant!

[Paul Russell]

I got nobbled just the other day by a couple of PCSO's -> full details below:
http://benneh.net/blog/index.php/2008/03/18/account-for-presence/ There's a link on there to a free UK rights leaflet, and how to write to your MP online in support of Austin Mitchells early day motion concerning the rights of photographers.

There seems be a news story in Amateur Photographer every week now about PCSOs wrongly telling photographers they can't take pictures of people, buildings, events, blah blah.

I think it's just because photographers are generally an easy bunch to pick on, like skateboarders and street drinkers.

I made a rare journey into Weymouth town centre last Friday night - it was like the Wild West. There was a police van patrolling and when it stopped I assumed they were going to calm down a group of young pissheads outside a pub. But three policemen got out, and moved on this bloke from a doorway because he was begging and got back in the van! Just go for the easy targets.

Ha ha, I sound like I'm going to write a letter to the Daily Mail.

 

[Paul Russell]

BTW another geezer got stopped by the same 2 in Leeds today...

I listened in to a couple of PCSOs telling off this student in Bournemouth last month because he was "doing" street photography. He was there about 15 minutes while they took his address and searched his stuff. They told him that they could "fine him a lot of money for harassment" and that he should tell his local police station before doing photography, so they know what is going on.

Yet more bollocks...

Edit: I was going to take a picture of him getting a bollocking, but of course I chickened out.

 

[Stanley Edwards]

...

I think it's just because photographers are generally an easy bunch to pick on, like skateboarders and street drinkers.
....

You want to try being a photographer, boarder, street drinker and artist

I got told some right bullshit the other day. They always back down mind. Different policing system here, but worse if you're on the streets for any reason and they have nothing better to do.