Police. Are. *bleep*s

[gnownad]

So today I was shooting some shots around uni as usual, then I hear this voice behind me: "May I ask for what purpose you're taking photos of this place?"

Lo and behold, a policeman had spotted my unsuspicious behaviour of taking photos of my own library. It's quite funny, because only an hour before I was researching photographers' rights to take photos in and around London! Rather annoyingly, this guy stopped and questioned me under the Terrorism Act, and after he quite correctly found there was nothing actually wrong or suspicious with my photo-taking, he let me go.

Seriously now, what the hell?? Surely terrorists would be using slightly more covert techniques to photograph stuff, and anyway even if I was a terrorist, why ON EARTH would I be photographing the library??? I was very shocked that I had been stopped at first, but when he was filling out his little form recording the "incident", he had to ask me what number month "October" was. It kinda figures, if policemen aren't really intellectual enough to write down dates, how are they meant to be able to spot something actually potentially dangerous and/or against the law?

Although it ended well and the guy was nice about it all, I still feel a bit violated in a way. Not impressed. Sorry if this isn't a topic meant to be in this bit of the forum, but I needed to express my views somewhere!

*edit*: OK, the name of the post reflect my true feelings, some people were reading too deep into it. I respect police in every way for what they do! I was just grumpy at being stopped and questioned when I had better things to do that day, so I wote this post to let off some steam! It isn't meant to be an attack on police or anybody related to them, and I'm sorry if you see it that way.

[vandergus]

How dare he....ask questions! The nerve! Can't policemen just stay out of everyone's way. What do they mean by talking to people anyway? Getting to know the population. Pfft.

[candidrachel]

Ridiculous! Is so stupid it's almost funny! Why are the police not chasing after REAL criminals not students at uni?!

I'm going to Salisbury tomorrow to take pictures of the Cathederal. I wonder if I'll get questioned.

There have been some incidents in the news about this happening and also if you read Amateur Photography Mag there is always someone who has been questioned under the heading Rights Watch.

[gnownad]

Ooo, that's a rather interesting mag! I think I'll read it more! Thanks for the heads up on that one! A cathedral hopefully should be fine- as it's a touristy sort of thing to do, and if they stopped everyone who looked like a tourist..... Let's not go there!

[vandergus]

Ridiculous! Is so stupid it's almost funny! Why are the police not chasing after REAL criminals not students at uni?!

They don't know you're a student until they talk to you.

[BryanC]

Originally Posted by gnownad

So today I was shooting some shots around uni as usual, then I hear this voice behind me: "May I ask for what purpose you're taking photos of this place for?"

Lo and behold, a policeman had spotted my unsuspicious behaviour of taking photos of my own library. It's quite funny, because only an hour before I was researching photographers' rights to take photos in and around London! Rather annoyingly, this guy stopped and questioned me under the Terrorism Act, and after he quite correctly found there was nothing actually wrong or suspicious with my photo-taking, he let me go.

Seriously now, what the hell?? Surely terrorists would be using slightly more covert techniques to photograph stuff, and anyway even if I was a terrorist, why ON EARTH would I be photographing the library??? I was very shocked that I had been stopped at first, but when he was filling out his little form recording the "incident", he had to ask me what number month "October" was. It kinda figures, if policemen aren't really intellectual enough to write down dates, how are they meant to be able to spot something actually potentially dangerous and/or against the law?

Although it ended well and the guy was nice about it all, I still feel a bit violated in a way. Not impressed, and outraged. Sorry if this isn't a topic meant to be in this bit of the forum, but I needed to express my views somewhere!

It sounds like he was just doing his job. You quoted him as asking politely. You said it ended well and he was nice about it all. It's the world we live in now, unfortunately. In the end, it's about protecting you and others like you, not about giving you a hassle. As for "why ON EARTH", it's because it's a university, and a library, where potentially a large number of people gather in one place. A type of situation that has been a target by terrorists. I would look at the experience as a positive thing...people are at work looking out for your well being and safety.

[RLucas]

Hmm? I have been stopped several times, and it usually ends in some good conversation. I guess it's all about perception. It's funny how people hate the police until they need them huh?

[gnownad]

Originally Posted by BryanC

It sounds like he was just doing his job. You quoted him as asking politely. You said it ended well and he was nice about it all. It's the world we live in now, unfortunately. In the end, it's about protecting you and others like you, not about giving you a hassle. As for "why ON EARTH", it's because it's a university, and a library, where potentially a large number of people gather in one place. A type of situation that has been a target by terrorists. I would look at the experience as a positive thing...people are at work looking out for your well being and safety.

Yes I understand that it was only part of his job and it was reasonable in a way, but it's just a bit annoying as someone who's innocently taking photos tbh. Police have a very subtle way of saying stuff which sounds oh so slightly accusing, and it isn't really pleasant to be put through that!

[BryanC]

Originally Posted by gnownad

Yes I understand that it was only part of his job and it was reasonable in a way, but it's just a bit annoying as someone who's innocently taking photos tbh. Police have a very subtle way of saying stuff which sounds oh so slightly accusing, and it isn't really pleasant to be put through that!

I do agree that it sucks that we are living in the time where things like this have to happen, but I do understand why. It's the times when the line between our 'rights' and the actions of authority become too blurred that is scary.

[CRider]

Tough road really...but he's got a job to do and the circumstances of our times sorta force his hand. All things considered and based solely on the information given...I'd say it's really no big deal. He asked some honest questions (a lot of the bombings and other incidents have been carried out by "students" if you haven't noticed) and honest answers. I don't see how any rights were violated (and I'm a fan of personal rights), so I don't really see an issue here I guess.