26th March VSOE Clan Line

Nobody out for this today. I went to ped overbridge near South Croydon Station... got stopped by the police and because I said my camera was for hobby purposes I had to give him details... moments later Clan Line chuffed passed and I was not in position, and did not get anything worthwhile. Not going to have my camera on show next time I go out. Not impressed. This is the second time I have been stopped. I am sure others have similar stories.

 

think yourself lucky, once when waiting for tangmere at southampton central, because i am indian, i was stopped by the BTP and searched, interoggated and had my details taken down and they followed me around the railway. they thought i was terrorist.

 

It is really disappointing,and unacceptable,that this is still happening. I was under the impression that this problem was getting better,but maybe that was more to do with BTP on railway premises.BTP have been repeatedly told by their chief constable that harassing rail enthusiasts taking photos is NOT acceptable. I guess your plod on the railway bridge was not BTP?

For anyones whos interested,from the Liberty website:

YOUR RIGHTS UNDER SECTION 44


Watch 'Our Area', a film by
young people about their
experiences of Section 44
At the time

- The police can only give you a pat down, remove outer clothes (eg jacket, hat), search your bags and have you empty your pockets
- You do not have to give your name and address
- You do not have to explain why you are there
- You are not allowed to flee the search, but you are not required to be actively compliant. You are allowed to 'go limp' as passive resistance during the search if you wish not to comply
- There is no permission to collect DNA data during the search
- You do not have to comply with any attempt to photograph or record you
- Women cannot be touched by male police during these searches
- Make notes about the officers searching you - name, number and police force
- Note the time and the events preceding the search
- Note the specific wording used by the police to explain their authority to search you
- Ask the police for the reason that they are searching you. Specifically, are they searching for terrorists or are they simply trying to deter, delay or inconvenience you?

Afterwards
- Hold on to the Search Record or any other documentation the police give you (or note if you don't receive one)
- Make brief notes about the search while you still remember all the details
- Do not write anything down on the day that you don't want disclosed to the police. Police may search you again and be able to read anything that you have written down
- Please complete and submit Liberty's search monitoring form
- Consider making a complaint to the Independent Police Complaints Commission
- Write to Lord Carlile, the independent monitor of the implementation of anti-terrorism legislation (Lord Carlile of Berriew QC, The House of Lords London SW1A 0AA)
- Consider pressing charges if the officers used unnecessary force during the search

Note in particular there is NO requirement to give your name & address or any other details.

 

Few shots from Richmond this lunchtime. No bother from the feds......
http://50031.fotopic.net/c1829818.html

 

I seriously urge you to lodge a complaint with the chief Constable , write to your local paper and your MP.

Holding a camera with intent to take a picture of a steam engine is not grounds to take your details.

 

My video of her from the 26th March at 3 locations - near Staines, at Woking and approaching Dorking:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NAPM4Ei-rY

That's a bummer of a story about the police. I hope you did note their details and will complain.

 

Thats terrible. Once I was at Southall station waiting for 34067 to arrive light engine with a 47. I got my camcorder out and started filming. The police came up to me and asked what I was doing (which I thought was pretty obvious!) so I told them and before I knew it both me and my friend were searched under the terroism act or something like that. And this all happened as 34067 arrived so I didn't get my shot in the end, but the other police officer got his phone out and took a few pictures!

Sorry for going off topic!

 

If the OP (or anyone else for that matter) needs advice on the police complaints procedure, I'd be happy to help. Just PM me.

John.

 

This is all getting rather silly surely the police can tell the difference between someone pursing a harmless hobby and a terrorist or perhaps not.

 

Thanks for all the advice. Like I say I am sure I am not the only one and won't be the last. Happy (avoiding suspicion) spotting.