Friday 2 December 2011

Good news! It has been returned to him.

On 21st November, a police officer had seized a video tape from media student Lewis Stainer while he was covering events around the occupation camp in Market Square.  The police claimed they could seize it under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 [section 19] since it contained 'evidence' of crime.

However, Lewis had only filmed the arrest of the individual, NOT the original alleged crime.  There has been some media exposure on this issue and the continued lack of ahderence by officers to the protocols / guidelines agreed with Nottinghamshire Police.

The constables action may be contrary to at least three clauses, namely:

1. The presence of a photographer or journalist does not of itself constitute any unlawful obstruction or interference;

4. Journalists have the right to photograph and report events that occur on public property, and;

7. Police officers do not have the authority to prevent a person taking a photograph or to confiscate cameras or film and such conduct could result in criminal, civil or disciplinary action.

After the involvement of the National Union of Jounnalists [he is a Student member] and the coverage this has received ...... the tape, seized by Nottinghamshire Police has now been returned.

In a note to him, the tape is apparently no longer now required for evidence.

Yea right!! 

Further action is being considered.

Feature: Nottingham Student photographer hassled by Notts Police [Feature] - Nottingham Indymedia 3 December 2011

http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2238

Police hand back student journalist’s video after NUJ protest - Hold the Front Page 1 Dec 2011

http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/2011/news/police-seize-video-from-student-journalist/

Nottingham student says police took his film illegally - BBC Nottingham 29 November 2011

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-nottinghamshire-15934197

Nottingham Student photographer interviews on tape still held - Nottingham Indymedia 29 November 2011

http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2220

Nottingham Student Photographer's material taken by police - Nottingham Indymedia 22 November 2011

http://nottingham.indymedia.org/articles/2191

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ALAN LODGE 

Photographer - Media: One Eye on the Road. Nottingham.  UK

Email:                 tash@indymedia.org

Web:                   http://digitaljournalist.eu

Member of the National Union of Journalists [NUJ]

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"It is not enough to curse the darkness.

                                   It is also necessary to light a lamp!!"

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