The Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Paul Stephenson has admitted that stop-and-search powers granted by the Terrorism Act have to be used with care, but added that 'some officers might get it wrong'
Author: Olivier Laurent
16 Dec 2009 Tags: Section 44Terrorism act 2000Home officeMetropolitan policeStreet rights
Speaking this morning on BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Sir Paul said that he didn't want to see tourists or photographers being stopped and questioned for taking photographs in public places.
'We need to recognise that London is an iconic city and people come here to photograph this city and they should be allowed to do it without interference unless there is very, very good reason to suspect somebody doing something wrong,' he said according to BBC News. 'Occasionally, some police officers might get it wrong, Police Community Support Officers might get it wrong, it's my job to ensure we get that right balance.'
According to the Terrorism Act 2000, PCSOs are not allowed to stop people using Section 44 powers unless under the supervision of a police officer.
EXCLUSIVE REPORT
UK's no-go photo areas [09 September]
RELATED EDITORIALS
What value are the chief constable's words? [09 December]
Street photography - the end of the road? [02 December]
RELATED ARTICLES
City of London Police: 'Stops are justified' [15 December]
Met Police re-issues guidelines on use of anti-terrorism legislation on photographers [14 December]
Photojournalist files complaint after Terrorism Act stop [13 December]
Police forced to reiterate photographers' right to work in public places [09 December]
Award-winning photographer stopped after photographing a bank's building [08 December]
Photographers remain sceptical after Police's clarifications [07 December]
Chief Constable says anti-terror powers shouldn't be used to stop photographers [04 December]
Photographers to gather for street photography rights [04 December]
Independent journalist stopped after taking photos of Westminster [03 December]
Photographer vindicated in action against police [02 December]
Terror searches double in a year, figures show [27 November]
Terror watchdog advises cops to avoid photographers at Number 10 [25 November]
Parr for the 'not a terrorist' cause [14 October]
PM's assurances on Section 76 [07 October]
Amateur photographer takes sunset photo, is suspected of paedophilia [07 October]
Police S44 denials an unfair cop? [30 September]
Report highlights increasing restrictions on public photography [17 September]
Related Articles
BJP Daily
Most Popular Articles
State rebuked over Section 44
Updating your subscription status
About us

BJP is the world’s longest running photography magazine, established in 1854, and online since 1997. A high-quality monthly printed edition is available as a subscription or from selected newsagents in the UK and around the world. Take a preview of June's issue.
Jobs
Photographer experienced with shooting Studio Lit Room Sets needed urgently.
Practical Photography is looking for a top-notch technique writer to fill a vital role in the creation of the photo mag.
confident individual with a "big" personality with an abundance of drive and ambition with a clear ability to motivate
Popular Topics
Comments