Recording at or around police stations

Freedom of information request reference no: 01.FOI.23.031899

I note you seek access to the following information:

The following is copied from your website in regard of recording at or around Police Stations in response to a freedom id information request:

“It is not an offence to film a Police station, if spotted, Police officers can approach and ask questions as to what the individual is doing and why. If the officer suspects possible Terrorism Offences then the power to search, seize could come into effect.

If an individual wants to film outside one of our stations, or film the building itself then we ask them to make contact with us so we can ask questions as to what the project is and how we would manage it.

There is also the issue of Intellectual Property Rights, filming MPS logos, trademarks that, legitimate filming productions have to apply and pay a fee if approved.

There are situations where people turn up at Police stations, videoing, taking photos and wanting a reaction from the Police. The officers obviously have a right to question such activity but if the investigating officer(s) are satisfied that there are no apparent offences and a threat to security then there is no law being broken.

As stated if someone does want to film one of our buildings then we would ask:
1. Project name
2. Date
3. Times
4. Location
5. What the project is about
6. Crew size

If we were happy then we would contact the local station, borough so they are aware beforehand.

We would allow the filming with conditions:
1. No filming of Police Officers
2. No filming of MPS Trademarks logos if no approval
3. No blocking of the front entrance, side entrances
4. No filming inside the front office
5. Police/public have right of way
6. Police can stop the filming for an operational need.

This guidance is for people who wish to engage with us to prevent unnecessary confrontation, suspicion, threat to staff, building security.

I am confused regarding the conditional nature of “allowing” filming (or other recording) in what is clearly a public facility under the administration of the Police & Crime Commissioner or local equivalent.

Therefore under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000:

1. Please provide me with the authority in law under which these conditions can be enforced on a member of the public recording in public any of the conditional items listed above or any requirement to give advance notice whether written or otherwise.

2. I would also like to be advised of any trademarks/logos specifically which require approval, together with a comprehensive list of “operational needs” which can halt recording.”

Decision

I have today decided to disclose the located information to you in full.

Please find below information pursuant to your request above.

Q1 - Please provide me with the authority in law under which these conditions can be enforced on a member of the public recording in public any of the conditional items listed above or any requirement to give advance notice whether written or otherwise.

These are conditions, common sense conditions that the MPS think are reasonable in the circumstances of filming near, outside our property. These conditions are standard and set out clearly to film and TV productions who enquire to film outside our stations. These conditions are always met by the productions in their professional capacity. If a “Youtube” auditor turned up without notice then the reaction that they will get from the Police is exactly what they want. In regards to law then civil trespass could be considered or wilful obstruction of a highway or obstruction of a Police Officer. Hostile filming could be interpreted as an offence under the Terrorism Act.

Q2 - I would also like to be advised of any trademarks/logos specifically which require approval, together with a comprehensive list of “operational needs” which can halt recording.

Trademarks -
The Metropolitan Police manages approximately 30 registered trademarks owned by MOPAC, of which we occasionally allow commercial licences (e.g. for TV/film). Attached is a list of those available for licence.

Operational needs which can halt recording -
As an example, filming is going on outside our station on private property. We have allowed with conditions and no location fee has been paid. At the time an incident has occurred and officers need to respond. If filming is going on, cameras are rolling then we will need to stop the filming for an operational need.

We could also stop filming if we feel that their presence is causing public safety, danger to life scenarios but the same can be said of Council Film Officers who can also stop filming if they fill the need. Not everything has an agenda and a power behind it.