Threat/Risk associated with photography/videography of Police Stations
Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.030649
I note you seek access to the following information:
In response to my FOI ref 01/FOI/23/028961 you gave an unsubstantiated explanation of Threat/Risk as an explanation for an ‘on street’ interrogation of a member of the public conducting lawful activities associated with photography in the vicinity of police stations, which is covered by a number of advisory documents issued within the UK Constabularies, which conflict with your statement.
As your reasoning seems to be predicated on some unspecified threat or risk, under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, ICO Guidance and your Code of Ethics, please provide the following from your records which would justify your previous response:
1. Any analysis of risk posed by a member of the public engaged in the actions described.
2. A description of all credible threats posed by a member of the public engaged in the actions described.
3. A documented reason why you statement is not coincident with the requirements of the Counter Terrorism Handbook.
CLARIFICATION - Counter Terrorism Handbook - ISBN: 978-0-19-959710-9 (all requirements contained within chapters 2 to 4 inclusive.
Decision
I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.
Please find below information pursuant to your request above.
Any analysis of risk posed by a member of the public engaged in the actions described.
The MPS know there is a terrorist threat (an attack is likely) and the only way of establishing whether the member of public presents a threat in that context is through engagement. It is acceptable to ask them what they are doing etc. so analysis takes place at the time of engagement. If the officer identifies no threat/risk through that engagement, then the auditor / member of the public may continue in their actions.
A description of all credible threats posed by a member of the public engaged in the actions described.
The MPS already identified and acknowledged that members of the public are allowed to film and photograph lawfully so they themselves obviously do not pose a credible threat and have no intent to cause harm; however, once again, until that engagement takes place then anyone filming a police station will be viewed suspiciously in the context of the Counter Terrorism threat. Of consideration also is that the threat may also come from someone viewing that footage so it is important to show that we do engage with people and that we are security conscious. This may be enough to then deter a threat. If we ignored everyone filming and taking photographs then the threat could operate with impunity in preparation of an attack; this is vital.
A documented reason why you statement is not coincident with the requirements of the Counter Terrorism Handbook (ISBN: 978-0-19-959710-9). All requirements contained within chapters 2 to 4 inclusive.
Whilst it is no doubt the book is authoritative. The rationale for police officers, based on the current threat, to approach persons taking photos of police stations is made out without recourse to this book.