Can I Film the Police?
The Definitive Legal Guide
Police officers often tell you to stop filming. They might cite "Section 43" or "GDPR". They are usually wrong. Here is exactly what the law says.
The Golden Rule
There is no law in the UK that prevents you from filming in a public place.
If you are standing on public land (a pavement, a road, a park), you can film anything you can see. This includes:
- Police Officers
- Police Stations
- Government Buildings (MI6, Parliament)
- Members of the public
- Children (yes, really - though it's sensitive)
Met Police Guidelines State:
"Members of the public and the media do not need a permit to film or photograph in public places and police have no power to stop them filming or photographing incidents or police personnel."
Common Police Tactics (And How to Defeat Them)
1. "You are assisting terrorists" (Section 43)
Police frequently misuse Section 43 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to stop photographers. They will claim that taking photos of a police station is "hostile reconnaissance".
The Defense: S.43 requires "Reasonable Suspicion". Case law dictates that the act of photography alone is never enough to form reasonable suspicion. Unless you are also checking perimeter fences, looking for weaknesses, or carrying bomb-making equipment, they cannot use this power lawfully.
2. "You are causing alarm and distress" (Section 50)
They may try to use Section 50 of the Police Reform Act (Anti-Social Behaviour) to demand your name and address.
The Defense: For S.50 to apply, you must be causing "Harassment, Alarm, or Distress". Merely holding a camera does not meet this threshold. Someone may feel annoyed, but that is not a crime. Calmly state: "I am not acting in an anti-social manner. I am a member of the press/public exercising my right to film."
3. "It's GDPR / Privacy"
They might say "You don't have my permission to film me."
The Defense: Police officers have no reasonable expectation of privacy while executing their public duties. GDPR applies to data processing by organizations, not individuals taking photos in public.
What if I get arrested?
If you are arrested for "Obstruction" (Section 89 Police Act 1996) because you refused to stop filming, it is vital you:
- Keep filming as long as possible (livestream if you can).
- Do not resist physically. Go limp if necessary, but do not fight back.
- State clearly: "I am not obstructing you. I am standing back. I am documenting this encounter."
Practice with the Tool
Use our interactive Police Scenario tool to practice specifically for "Auditor" encounters.
Launch Police Tool →