Anyone, including police, can take pix
REGARDING your report (last issue) accusing the police of harassing journalists; while they do go over the top, the suggestion that this harassment includes taking photographs is a bit rich.
Anyone is entitled to take photographs in public, including the police. One of the allegations against the recently acquitted Barry George was that he took hundreds of photographs of women in the street.
So what?
The seizure of cameras and other equipment, and the destruction of film is a different matter entirely. The officer who arrested Andy Handley for taking photographs of a “crime scene” needs a lesson not only in law but in public relations.
Members of the press and public who are treated in this heavy handed and gratuitous fashion can hardly be expected to go out of their way to assist the police when there is a genuine need.
Alexander Baron
London SE26
Text better than some web snaps
I HAVE TO wholeheartedly support Shane Dempsey’s letter (Take photographers seriously, last issue) and would also add that some of the photographs used online are distinctly lacking in quality as well. Some are so bad in fact that they could only qualify as fillers.
If I was a picture desk editor I’d sooner run with plain text rather than use some of these frankly embarrassing offerings. I don’t know who this “anyone” is that Mr Dempsey refers to is, but if they worked for my publication they’d be on a week’s notice right now.