I'd have to read UK law to know whether it's illegal to take a photo of police at present. As far as I know it's all up in the air at the moment.
As Oz law is basically based on English law , at present any-one can take a photo in the street or a public area of anyone and anything. I actually carry a copy of photography laws around me as I always carry a camera..just in case as the cops don't always know the law themselves.
There have been 2 incidents on Bondi Beach with tourists being charged with taking photos of topless ladies...both were thrown out of court and costs awarded against the police. The local council then tried to enact a law banning photography on the beach until they were finally persuaded by angry locals it would have no legal validity.
However another bloke was successfully prosecuted for lewd conduct as he was leaning in too close to the hapless topless gels.
I also have a friend who was recently questioned by the lifesavers for taking pictures of his friend in the surf. He was extremely upset and rang me on my mobile wondering what to do..I said be very nice to the lifesavers as they generally good guys, volunteers who you may need one day. Just explain the situation. But the poor guy feels so intimidated he says he'll never do it again.
It's funny because I know at least 3 paparazzi who patrol Bondi every single day and make a living out of celeb spotting and they never get questioned even though they have gigantic lenses.
The police are always testing photography laws but it's the one time they run up against the powerful media who naturally want free rein.
In fact-just recently Nicolle Kidman bought a country estate outside Sydney with a house that is a bit too close to the road for comfort (and the paparazzi). She had a huge long hill -like mound bulldozed up along the road and planted with trees and hedges to block views but the local council has ordered it to be torn down.
But why am I telling you this?..I haven't even flogged the story yet!
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