A new video explaining reporters’ and photographers’ rights during demonstrations and riots is set to be incorporated into police training courses.
The video, commissioned by the National Union of Journalists, will feature in all licensed command courses at the College of Policing and be added to the police service knowledge data base to inform good practice.
The five-minute film explains that despite the often-challenging situations officers find themselves during episodes of civil disorder, the police should help the press so they can gather accurate information.
It also answers questions on whether photographers need permits to take pictures in a public place, and whether officers are allowed to seize journalists’ film.
The video is presented by Alfie Moore, pictured above, an experienced police officer who turned to stand-up comedy during a career break.
It is directed by Rob Whitehouse.
John Toner, NUJ freelance organiser, said: “We are delighted by the enthusiasm of the police for the film. Over the years we have addressed officers on public order training courses on a number of occasions, but that would amount to around 200 officers on each occasion.
“The film will be viewed by thousands of officers each year, and we hope it will make a difference to their understanding of the rights of photographers and film-makers.
“Rob Whitehouse had excellent co-operation from police forces in the making of the film, and that co-operation continues in the speed with which the various forces and the National Public Order and Public Safety Committee are deploying the film.”
Commander BJ Harrington, head of the Metropolitan Police’s public order unit, thanked the NUJ for producing the video.
He said: “Working alongside each other on the streets, in fast changing and developing situations on public order events, is sometimes challenging, the police have a job to do, and so do the photographers and journalists.
“By taking part in a police training video, the NUJ have given the police an insight into their work. The video will be incorporated into learning packages for officers wishing to be public order trained.”
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Would be nice to see the film!
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What video are they using?? The Sweeney?
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“Listen sonny, you know, and I know, that starting a sentence with a hanging participle is not the sort of schoolboy error that a sub would make – these are respected senior journalists with years of experience of turning the rubbish copy into polished work fit for publication. Therefore, there’s only one person who could have done it – a reporter – that’s YOU! You might as well cough for it and stop waiting everyone’s time. Get down those stairs…”
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Note to subs; please replace “waiting” in final sentence with “wasting”.
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Having now just watched the vid, it’s OK as far as it goes, but it could go further. The letter written in 2010 by Andy Trotter of ACPO, and which the NPCC has said continues to be their policy, has a fuller picture. (HTFP passim) Perhaps this should also be re-issued to officers during training.
My point is that there are no special laws which apply to journalists, leaving aside the rules on youth court access, bits of family court stuff, etc. The rights we have as journalists are nothing more than the rights that every citizen has.
Alfie Moore says to camera: “Do members of the media need a permit to film or photograph in a public place?” Well, of course not, he explains. But I would suggest that this carries the unspoken implication that non-media do and, as Trotter’s letter points out, it is not the case:
“I seek your support in reminding your officers and staff that they should not prevent anyone from taking photographs in public. This applies equally to members of the media and public seeking to record images, who do not need a permit to photograph or film in public places. ACPO guidance is as follows:
“There are no powers prohibiting the taking of photographs, film or digital images in a public place.”
The vid could also be said to create the impression that all journalists are NUJ members, which probably is not the case. This might lead cops to impede anyone not in possession of a membership card.
Alfie adds, while officers are training in riot control in the background: “Journalists, and photographers, have legal rights to report events like this.” It would have been more informative to say that there are no laws preventing anyone reporting on events like this.
Of course, one could simply carry a copy of the ACPO letter, although it might be a challenge to produce it after one has been tazered and held down by six officers on suspicion of being in possession of an image-recording device.
Notwithstanding any of the above, one must commend the NUJ for their effort towards securing the sort of First Amendment rights which American media have long enjoyed.
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