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10/03/2009
Press Were Wrongly Monitored By Police
Kent police have admitted bona fide members of the press were wrongly placed under surveillance while covering a climate protest last year.
At the weekend the Guardian newspaper broadcast footage clearly showing journalists being monitored by officers.
Despite police being deployed to monitor protesters opposing the Kingsnorth coal-fired power station, it was claimed particular focus was placed on the press.
During August, Sky and ITV news staff, along with several photographers, were observed by officers and subsequently filmed by police cameras.
Assistant chief constable of Kent police Allyn Thomas said he "fully accept the right to protest as part of our democracy", however, intelligence had suggested protesters planned to shut down the power station.
Police use video cameras to capture the images of suspected trouble-makers, on this occasion filming was overt.
Mr Thomas: "The situation on the ground was complex with more than 1,000 protesters, together with journalists and camera crews, in a confined area.
"We accept that police should not have filmed legitimate journalists or camera crews, however it was a difficult task in these circumstances to clearly identify them."
All the journalists had presented their official press cards, and were carrying professional equipment.
However, the assistant chief constable said some of his officers were not aware of the official status of press cards, which clearly identifies bona fide news gathers.
"We acted on this and have incorporated training about this issue in our guidance for future operations," he said.
(PR/JM)
At the weekend the Guardian newspaper broadcast footage clearly showing journalists being monitored by officers.
Despite police being deployed to monitor protesters opposing the Kingsnorth coal-fired power station, it was claimed particular focus was placed on the press.
During August, Sky and ITV news staff, along with several photographers, were observed by officers and subsequently filmed by police cameras.
Assistant chief constable of Kent police Allyn Thomas said he "fully accept the right to protest as part of our democracy", however, intelligence had suggested protesters planned to shut down the power station.
Police use video cameras to capture the images of suspected trouble-makers, on this occasion filming was overt.
Mr Thomas: "The situation on the ground was complex with more than 1,000 protesters, together with journalists and camera crews, in a confined area.
"We accept that police should not have filmed legitimate journalists or camera crews, however it was a difficult task in these circumstances to clearly identify them."
All the journalists had presented their official press cards, and were carrying professional equipment.
However, the assistant chief constable said some of his officers were not aware of the official status of press cards, which clearly identifies bona fide news gathers.
"We acted on this and have incorporated training about this issue in our guidance for future operations," he said.
(PR/JM)
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The release of a man convicted of killing three unarmed police officers in 1966 has been described as "sickening". Harry Roberts, now aged 78, has been released from prison after serving 48 years for 1966 murders of three unarmed police officers in Shepherd's Bush in west London.
Release Of Police Killer Described As 'Sickening'
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05 October 2006
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International police force 'must' be sent to Darfur
An international police presence is needed in Sudan's troubled Darfur region to ensure its vast population of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are protected, two senior United Nations human rights officials told the Security Council today.
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14 May 2003
UK sends policing advisors to assist in Iraq
Policing experts are traveling to Iraq today to advise on the stabilisation of the security situation and to participate in a review on how to rebuild the Iraqi police service. The team of four will be led by Chief Constable of Hampshire - and Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) international portfolio holder - Paul Kernaghan.
UK sends policing advisors to assist in Iraq
Policing experts are traveling to Iraq today to advise on the stabilisation of the security situation and to participate in a review on how to rebuild the Iraqi police service. The team of four will be led by Chief Constable of Hampshire - and Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) international portfolio holder - Paul Kernaghan.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A chilly start with a widespread frost and some freezing fog, any freezing fog slow to clear. Otherwise bright with sunny spells and coastal showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 6 °C.Tonight:Coastal showers dying out with a widespread frost developing along with freezing fog, which could become extensive. Winds remaining light. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
