Photographing police officers could lead to jail.

[rhythmaning]

The British Journal of Photography has an article stating

Set to become law on 16 February, the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008 amends the Terrorism Act 2000 regarding offences relating to information about members of armed forces, a member of the intelligence services, or a police officer.

The new set of rules, under section 76 of the 2008 Act and section 58A of the 2000 Act, will target anyone who 'elicits or attempts to elicit information about (members of armed forces) ... which is of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism'.

A person found guilty of this offence could be liable to imprisonment for up to 10 years, and to a fine.

Presumably this will include photographers covering any police activity - including violent treatment of suspects.

(via Boing Boing.)

Comments

[lizziebelle.livejournal.com]

Holy cow, Big Brother really is in charge...

[lizziebelle.livejournal.com]

...and what does it say about me that I really want to go out and photograph police officers now? ;)

[rhythmaning.livejournal.com]

Yeah, me too!

[kittenexploring.livejournal.com]

Probably a good thing it's not coming into law a few days earlier. Imagine all the arrests of those asking one of the listed people if they would like to go out. That sort of information about emotional attachments could be useful when preparing an act of terrorism.