To think this parent was wrong to phone the police?

[memoo]

Today DH and I took the the kids to the local park. To cut a very long story short after we had been there about 10 minutes a police car arrived, 2 officers got out and after a conversation with one of the dads they then approached a couple with two young children.

We were sat nearby this couple and so could hear exactly what was being said. The police officers asked the male of the couple if he had been taking pictures, He replied that yes he had taken pictures of the play area while his daughter was playing in it.

The policewoman then asked if he had been taking photos of other children in the play area to which the man said he hadn't.

They then searched his camera and his mobile! presumably checking the photos on there.

The conversation went on for a while longer until the police were finally satisfied that he really was just a loving dad taking photos of his daughter playing.

I just cannot believe that someone phoned the police! and said so very loudly within hearing of the man who phoned them

I think this is the most increadably sad thing I have ever witnessed! I think the man who phoned the police should be bloody shot!

YANBU - people seem to forget that there is nothing illegal about taking photos in a public place. I would be furious if that happened to my DH. Hope the police had a word with the caller.

YANBU

The police have better things to do than chase up after nonsense like this.

Why shouldn't they phone

The police are there to ensure public safety, check crime's not being committed etc.

As long as they were polite and respectful of the couple I don't see the problem.

I personally wouldn't mind people taking photos of children playing in parks - but some parents mind very much.

They did speak to the caller again afterwards but didn't hear what was said.

I felt so angry about this. Poor man just having an afternoon in the park with his kids and someone basically accuses him of being a peadophile (sp?)

well, I am afraid I have to disagree. Close up pictures of small children paddling in our local park pool were found on child pornography websites not so long ago, so I am afraid that it is not always obvious who is snapping their kids, or who is a predator.

seriously? you think someone should phone the police because a person is taking pictures of his own child! he world has gone mad!!

Presumably the children in the park were not naked/scantily clad. Does anyone really believe that there are paedophiles who sit with their partners in the park and take photos of children in thick anoraks, hats and scarves?

No, the accusation of him being a paedophile is all in your head (unless you missed that bit out).

Someone reported someone taking photos of children in a park, they attended, were polite, investigated and then left.

That's what they are for.

This man was with his wife/DP had a toddler in a buggy and his daughter with him! Are we surpose to phone the police every time we see a parent taking pictures of their child?

If he was a lone male with no child then that would be different.

YANBU. This makes me very sad.

but laurie

what offence is being committed or being perceived as being comitted then?

Well why else would they phone the police Laurie if thats not what they thought??

Clearly the person who phoned thought someone was taking photos of children who weren't their own (or were not sure about it).

I don't think they're right or wrong to phone the police as raising concerns about the safety of children is up to the general public. And I'm heartened to see someone reporting something they may have thought was suspicious. Too often no one does anything.

Providing the police investigated and were polite I don't have an issue.

ok so they thought the man was taking pictures of children that weren't his??
so surely for the person doing that to have to have some sort of police involvement the person must be assuming that peadophilic issues are afoot?????

I mean there is no other reason why picture taking would be an issue

I think that you're going to be outvoted on this one Laurie.

The world's gone bloody mad!

YANBU, the complainant appears to be either malicious or a loon.

What about thr poor man who was questioned in full hearing of myself and many other parents? How humiliating for him! If it had been me I think I'd have gone home and cried!

As has already been said, the man was doing nothing illegal. If I had been that man I would have not let the police see my phone or my camera. Taking pictures is not against the law, even of people you don't know.

If it was, the paparazzi would be out of business right quick.

The world has gone insane.

the world has indeed gone insane

I feel sorry for the man

What's suspicious about taking pictures of people in a park?

It's illegal to make or own indecent pictures of children.

The complainant could have asked the bloke what he was doing.

I'm sure that's true Trinity. But no one actually accused the photographer of being a paedophile. Thinking it might be true and then calling the police to come and investigate it is normal, so?

madness

What (in your mind) was the potential crime here Laurie?

The police investigated someone doing a lawful activity, which is taking photos in a public place. That is SHOCKING. They shouldn't even have turned up.