Met Police chief says 'very, very good reason' needed to stop photographers

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

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.


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