3 December 2008 
 
 
 
Your Ref: 
 
 
 
 
Our Ref: 
0882/08 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Mr Drew Peacock 
 
[email address]
Force Disclosure Unit 
 
Police Headquarters 
173 Pitt Street 
GLASGOW 
G2 4JS 
 
Tel: 0141 435 1216 
 
Fax: 0141 435 1218 
 
Dear Mr Peacock 
 
FREEDOM OF INFORMATION REQUEST REFERENCE NUMBER 0882/08 
 
I refer to your request for information dated 6 November 2008, which was received by 
Strathclyde Police on the same date.  
 
In accordance with Sections 12(1) (Excessive cost of compliance) and 16(4) (Refusal of 
request) of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (the Act), this letter represents a 
Refusal Notice. 
 
By way of explanation, there is no specific offence relating to taking photographs in a public 
place and any persons being reported for this would likely be charged, in most cases, with a 
Breach of the Peace or in some occasions with a contravention of the Civic Government 
(Scotland) Act 1982; the act of taking photographs being somehow relevant.  To ascertain 
whether a person had been reported for taking photographs would require the examination of 
thousands of crime reports in relation to the crimes mentioned above alone.  This however, 
would take in excess of the 40 hours and £600 prescribed by the Scottish Ministers under the 
Act to carry out this task. 
 
By way of further information, there are no instructions or guidelines issued to police officers 
in relation to photography or photographers.  Where a police officer suspects a crime has been 
committed, any decision to arrest or detain the alleged offender will be made based upon the 
circumstances of the incident, the nature of the alleged crime and any relevant powers, either 
from statute or common law.  Be aware that in present times certain buildings or areas will be 
under heightened alert and security staff, the general public and the police will be much more 
aware of people taking photographs.  This may well lead to an individual being approached 
by someone concerned about their actions. 
 
Common sense dictates that there will be certain places where you have access as a member 
of the public, but will have to ask permission or may be prevented from taking photographs 
altogether.  These may include stately homes, museums, churches, shopping malls, railway 
stations and certain council or government buildings.  If in doubt seek permission and be 
sensitive to the surroundings. 
 
I hope this information is helpful, however, if you are not satisfied with the way in which 
your request has been dealt with, you are entitled in the first instance to request a review of 
the decision made by the Force.  Should you wish to request such a review, please write to 

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Mrs Sheena Brennan, Disclosure Manager at the above address within 40 working days of 
receiving this letter.   
 
Once informed of the Review Panel’s decision, if you are still not satisfied, then you are 
entitled to apply to the Scottish Information Commissioner for a decision.  Contact details are; 
Office of the Scottish Information Commissioner, Kinburn Castle, Doubledykes Road, St 
Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DS, telephone 01334 464610.   
 
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in Strathclyde Police. 
Should you require any further assistance concerning this matter please contact me directly on 
0141 435 1216 quoting the reference number given. 
 
 
Yours sincerely 
 
 
 
 
 
Colette McFarlane 
Freedom of Information Officer 
 
 

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