UK Photographer's Rights (again....)

[Swisstony10]

The Royal Photographic Society sent me the September issue of their Journal today, and in it they enclosed a little card, the size of a standard business card, which has the Society's logo on the front, along with the words "KNOW THE FACTS". They also have the crest of ACPO (The Association of Chief Police Officers), who are supporting the distribution of the card, and it mentions that genuine members of the RPS carry membership cards.

On the back is the following list of points:

Every person has a right to photograph in a public place.

It is not against the law to photograph a police officer undertaking normal duties.

The police do have a duty to investigate incidents which may give rise to suspicion.

If stopped by a police officer, remain calm and polite.

You are not required to give any personal details unless driving a car, or if you are arrested.

Officers may stop and search and view images if they believe they could be used in connection with terrorism.

Officers have no powers to delete images.

PCSOs (Police Community Support Officers) may not search without a police officer present.

You must be provided with a copy of the Stop & Search slip which will include the officer's identity.

We all need to be vigilant against terrorism and support the police where possible as we as protect our rights to photograph in a public place.

It's going in my wallet, right along with my driving licence and my RPS membership card. I figured it was pretty handy, and a good idea, to have a neat little reminder of exactly what the facts are (for the UK at least), and the fact that the card is supported by ACPO could come in handy if I'm ever stopped and questioned while I'm out taking pictures..