PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad– National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds Friday said that while it is not unlawful for members of the public, including media workers, to take photographs or engage in video recordings of police officers in the execution of their duties, they, however, could face several charges that could lead to imprisonment of two years.
Hinds told Parliament that the laws have been on the books for a “very long time and there have been many prosecutions, and therefore the Member is assuming that there is no such information or knowledge in the public domain and I don’t think he is correct,” Hinds said, brushing aside a call by Opposition legislator, Rodney Charles for the authorities to embark upon a public education program on the issue.
Earlier, Charles has sought to determine whether there was a policy regarding members taking public photographs or video recordings of police officers in the execution of their duties.
But Hinds, an attorney and former police officer told Parliament that information provided by the Commissioner of Police indicates that the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) does not have a specific policy regarding members of the public taking photographs r video recordings while officers are in the execution of their duties.
“While there is neither a law nor a policy which prevents citizens from taking photographs or video recordings of police officers in those circumstances, citizens are advised that recordings should be done at a safe distance between the parties involved.”
Hinds said that this is necessary not to obstruct officers in executing their duties, warning that “obstruction of a police officer is a criminal and chargeable offense “as outlined in the Police Service Act.
He said a person found guilty of an offense under that legislation is liable on summary conviction to a fine of TT$10,000 (One TT dollar=US$0.16 cents) and imprisonment for two years.
“Additionally, it shroud be noted that while there are no laws preventing citizens from photographing or video recording, police officers, on duty, the pursuant of certain instructive conduct can amount to harassment which is also a chargeable offense under the Offences of the Person Act,” Hinds said.
He said anyone found guilty under that legislation would be fined TT$2,000 and imprisonment for six months on summary conviction.
“In light of the aforesaid, Madam Speaker citizens should be mindful that while photographing and or recording a police officer on duty is not per se unlawful or illegal, members of the public will be well advised to note the relevant provisions of the Police Services Act and the Offences Against the Person Act…and both of which provide that continuously doing so in a manner as described….can amount to harassment and lead to arrests and charges accordingly,” Hinds said.
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