Guidelines to help photographers

Revised stop and search policy is released - The National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) have released the revised practise advice on stop and search policies.

The guidelines which may stop some of the problems photographers have had when photographing in the street may be put to an end as the NPIA have finally released their new policy.

"The guidance has been circulated to forces for final comment. As with all guidance, following consultation, it will require formal endorsement by ACPO (Association of Chief Police Officers), when it meets in the next couple of weeks," said Peter Mandich the NPIA's Press and PR Manager.

The policy clearly states that: "The Terrorism Act 2000 does not prohibit people from taking photographs or digital images in an area where an authority under section 44 is in place. Officers should not prevent people taking photographs unless they are in an area where photography is prevented by other legislation."

It does say if a police officer suspects that the photographs are being taken as part of hostile terrorist reconnaissance, a search under section 43 of the Terrorism Act 2000 or an arrest should be considered. The document then goes onto explain in detail how this should be carried out.

The policy can be downloaded from the NPIA's website and the section relevant to photographers is section 2.8.

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