In the run-up to the G8 summit there's been an apparent increase in intrusive filming of innocuous activities by police and media. These include attending a G8 Alternatives meeting in Aberdeen and the Belle & Sebastian benefit gig in Glasgow. This text (reposted with permission from email lists) may be of interest to people on the receiving end of such activity. " I have a fair bit of experience in making Data Protection Act requests and enclose the following - if you are aware of being filmed by police approach the person filming and ask his/her number and where s/he is based - noting the time and place of recording- saying that you wish to get a copy of the photo/video under Section 7 (1) of the Data Protection Act 1998. - they must legally comply with this request - if not then approach the senior officer and complain - or write telling them the time and place and that you know you were being filmed - they hate doing Data Protection requests as it is time-consuming - haven't got the staff you see check out this website for further info http://www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/eventual.aspx?id=89 plus see below copy of model letter I downloaded from the Guardian and have sent to various state agencies such as - The Data Protection Officer Strathclyde Police Headquarters 173 Pitt Street Glasgow G2 4JS The Data Protection Officer National Public Order Intelligence Unit Room 1915 New Scotland Yard London SW1H 0BG to access all the info they have on you - though most come back with lots of censored blanked out parts on them - hope this is of some help --------------------------------------------------------------------- Data Protection Officer Strathclyde Police Headquarters 173 Pitt Street Glasgow G2 4JS Dear sir/madam I am writing to request all the information to which I am entitled under Section 7 (1) of the Data Protection Act 1998. In order to assist you with this request, I am outlining some of the areas and occasions on which your organisation may have compiled information on me. As you will understand, this may not be a definite list of such occasions. There will be information and pictures concerning (times and dates - the more specific the better - and go for them ALL while you’re at it). ((-----------{(FOR EXAMPLE) There will be details of communications between Strathclyde Police and the National Public Order Intelligence Unit, New Scotland Yard, and the Police National Computer, Essex. There will be information concerning myself passed between Essex Police and Strathclyde Police between (dates). There will be information concerning my letters and replies to the Chief Constable, Strathclyde Police on numerous occasions. There will be information concerning my arrest at (xxxx) on (date)}-----------------)) I would be interested in any discussion or opinions expressed within your organisation of my person, reputation, character, history or behaviour, actual or perceived. I should make it clear that this request should also cover all or any other information you may hold. I hope that you will be able to comprehensively search all your records. The definition of ‘personal data’ under the act covers both facts and opinions about myself as an individual, as well as information regarding the intentions of your organisation towards myself as an individual. This request should therefore cover any internal/external memos, emails, faxes, and any other correspondence or readily accessible data held on computer by your organisation which could be classified as ‘personal data’ under the 1998 Data Protection Act. This request covers both manual and electronic data. I have enclosed a cheque for £10 to cover the cost of the search. I have also enclosed my (proof of identification (medical card, driving license, passport) to aid your identification and enclose a recent (phone or other) bill to confirm my current address. I understand that under the act, I should be entitled to a response within 40 days. I would be grateful if you could confirm in writing that you have received this request, along with the return of my (proof of identification and address). I look forward to hearing from you in the near future Yours "

Related

http://scotland.indymedia.org/newswire/display/1681/index.php

http://www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk/eventual.aspx?id=89