Illegal to take photos of police in UK and Canada

Well, not quite yet, but on Feb 16th a law is set to be passed that "would make it illegal to use bad language or take photographs of police officers."
This is due to provisions under the Counter Terrorism Act of 2008, which becomes law mid next month. The law provides officers with the power to arrest anyone that is taking pictures "likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism."

According to the British Journal of Photography, under section 76 of the 2008 Act, 'Offences relating to information about members of armed forces etc,' if you attempt to elicit information from a constable you are committing an offence. Taking photographs is apparently attempting to elect information. The punishment is 10 years in prison. The full text of the Act is here.

Needless to say, the implications of police having such a law as this on their side brings up many issues, most bad. Already the police abuse laws they don't even have, going so far as to tell people they can't record photographs from their own front lawn, and there are ample threads on POTN alone of photographs being accosted by officers for simply taking photographs, so I don't want to even imagine how far they will be able to take this.

There have been many many instances of evidence recorded by the public bringing ill deeds committed by police officers to light, and this law would completely eliminate the ability of the public to be able to stand up to offences commited by police. Not only could evidence you collect now be argued to be inadmissible in court, you risk spending a decade behind bars.

This is going to affect a lot of the members on here, so I'm just wondering what's everyones take on this? Further laws to safeguard us from evil Muslims, or unnecessary knee-jerk reactions that further degrade our rights?

This is ridiculous for the Brits, but where is Canada mentioned?

Maybe OP thinks we're still part of The Empire. Pip, Pip!

Nortelbert wrote in post #7215783
Maybe OP thinks we're still part of The Empire. Pip, Pip!

You know, "The sun never sets..." and all.

Ah, you are right. Most articles on this new law mention Canada as well, but if you go through the actual text the only new law in Canada is that you cannot refer to the police using rude terms such as 'donut eaters' and the like. My bad, sorry.

This is concerning. I hope it doesn't affect photojournalists working too much.

just use that 500L and shoot them @ a distance =)

I think we have restrictions on shooting pictures of bridges/tunnels/train stations in NY after the 9-11 terrorist attacks, but 10 years for taking a picture of a police officer is outrageous lol.

Whoops.

In my defence. I did ask an officer as he saw me sniping with my 300L

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It does seem a tad ridiculous, can't see how it could be proved in court but it does give more scope for ,some 'officers to hassle photographers. Otherwise the police will be very busy with all the tourists as well as serious photogs....

watchtherocks wrote in post #7216048
Ah, you are right. Most articles on this new law mention Canada as well, but if you go through the actual text the only new law in Canada is that you cannot refer to the police using rude terms such as 'donut eaters' and the like. My bad, sorry.

It's not really a Canadian federal law that's being considered, it's only a bylaw that's been proposed by the Montreal police force:

http://www.thestar.com​/news/canada/article/5​77758

I thought doughnut eater would be an endearing term

Uh oh :P well done brits , well maybe they got some "good" reason for this o_0 soon you need report in for police if you want take a dump

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watchtherocks wrote in post #7215593
...on Feb 16th a law is set to be passed that "would make it illegal to use bad language...
This is due to provisions under the Counter Terrorism Act of 2008,

Well, of course! Everybody knows if you don't say the F word or S word, terrorism will go away!

Sheeesh! And to think of all the billions of Dollars and Euros that have been wasted fighting terrorism when all we really needed to do was buy a bar of soap and a toothbrush to wash our mouths out with!

I think some of our police forces need to grow some thicker skin!

I have spent many years in the securities industry and i can say that many of the incidents i have seen or been in between the public and the peace officers around here typically its the peace officer who is use the language that is unbecoming!

Poor police, it's horrible to be photographed against your will, I know how it feels thanks to CCTV.

CannedHeat wrote in post #7218884
Well, of course! Everybody knows if you don't say the F word or S word, terrorism will go away!

Sheeesh! And to think of all the billions of Dollars and Euros that have been wasted fighting terrorism when all we really needed to do was buy a bar of soap and a toothbrush to wash our mouths out with!

Great Argument!