Who's to blame - the photographer or the photographed?

[Cogito]

So - what do you think about the Police Chief who has resigned following being photographed as he got out of a car for a meeting at 10 downing street holding top-secret papers? Unfortunately the papers held details of an ongoing anti-terrorist operation, which the press-photographer blew up (Pun intended ) and could read clearly. The breach of security meant that the operation had to be brought forward with early arrests.

Details here. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/7991307.stm

Some are now saying that there should have been no need for the officer to resign - the real security breach was the photographer sharing what he had photographed.

For my part, I think he had to go, and the press photographer was simply doing his job. I'm also impressed by the speed with which the officer accepted responsibilty and resigned.

Do you agree?

Regards,

Neil

[Ian]

Re: Who's to blame - the photographer or the photographed?

I think it's a bit of both really, the officer was careless and this was the latest in a series of gaffs. But at the same time, if I was the photographer I would not offer the photo if it clearly contained sensitive information. I'd probably have highlighted the fact that I had the photo, and supplied a doctored version to avoid an actual security breach.

Ian

[Autumn]

Re: Who's to blame - the photographer or the photographed?

I think for a man of that age with his knowledge and experience and employed in such a responsible position, that quitting his job is not enough!

I am incensed at his foolishness and arrogant stupidity. We are told to hold our hand over the cash machines when inputting our PIN why did he not put his brain in gear first before exposing the nation's security plan?

ANY DOCUMENTS whether they be government, business or personal, should be placed into a folder, even when being carried between departments within offices. If this is his attitude to sensitive information, what is he telling his subordinates to do - hardly a role model!

This type of document I would have thought should have been transported in a folder within a briefcase or box. Let's face it, it looked as though loose pages could have fallen out.

I agree with Ian re the photographer. If the information was seen by anyone other than the photographer, it should have been blurred or doctored in some way.

The photographer did the right thing in exposing this blundering, incompetent, incumbent of this post.

I just wonder how much of a Golden Handshake he will be getting for joining the ranks of the highly paid who are unable to carry out their work satisfactorily!

[Julia]

Re: Who's to blame - the photographer or the photographed?

I think for a man of that age with his knowledge and experience and employed in such a responsible position, that quitting his job is not enough!

ANY DOCUMENTS whether they be government, business or personal, should be placed into a folder, even when being carried between departments within offices. If this is his attitude to sensitive information, what is he telling his subordinates to do - hardly a role model!

I agree, Andrey, the guy was an idiot. To make manners worse it is not the first time this has happened i.e. Top Secret papers photographed outside No. 10. I am glad he resigned immediately rather than dragging it on - a deal was struck no doubt.

Let's hope the person replacing him uses both brain cells :-)

[Cogito]

Re: Who's to blame - the photographer or the photographed?

In my force, (I'm a serving police officer) our Data Protection officer has now put around a piece on this, reminding us all that improper disclosure could cost us our job. A sobering reminder........though I'd like to think that carrying around any official document, let alone a top secret one, in clear view in a public place is an error I wouldn't make!

Regards,

Neil