I just happened to stumble across the [URL="http://photographernotaterrorist.org/"]Photographer not a Terrorist[/URL] website today and was captivated by a video that was posted on the site:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FJH9F7Hcluo[/ame]


A group of photographers and videographers visited the City of London financial district to evaluate the reaction and attitude of private security staff and the police to their presence lawfully filming and photographing there.

Almost all the security staff treated members of the group aggressively and ignorantly, basically trying to bully them to stop lawful filming and photography. Three times the police were called and in every occasion the police recognised the right to photograph and film in a public place.

I was highly impressed by the attitude of the police. They were polite, reassuring, and completely aware of the relevant law and rights. I was highly disappointed, but not surprised by the attitude of the security staff who, at best were ignorant and, at worst, bullies.

While I recognise that security is a sensitive topic in the City of London, bullying tactics and sheer ignorance of the law does not help the cause of a security person.