Laws are created to hold those that misbehave in society to account, whilst at the same time protecting both them and society from any abuse of the same laws by those on the ground. Most of us are not fully aware of our rights and as ignorance is no defence in the eyes of the law we capitulate when threatened by Police or other security agencies for fear of sanctions being levied against us. It has also become clear that there are many incidents of Police or security agencies (public or private), who either have little grasp of the law or intentionally lay traps for the naive to fall into, perhaps by suggesting they do something that they are not compelled to do. Should any person attempt to stand up for their rights laid down in law, they are often deemed to be troublemakers or undesirables and regularly have a blanket phrase thrown at them: “If you have nothing to hide then you have nothing to fear”.

This week both Amateur Photographer and the Daily Mail report that a railway enthusiast was recently badgered by Welsh Police. When initially challenged and questioned why he was taking photos close to an oil refinery, Stephen White, it seems, had nothing to hide. He freely offered to show Police his photos of railway locomotives, an offer that was declined. But when Police demanded that he hand over his digital camera and memory card he refused. He did absolutely the correct thing as a court order is required to confiscate or delete images. Then over successive days, Mr White alleges that he was harassed by Police.

From current reports it would appear that he followed the law to the letter. If his claims are verified, is this not proof that anyone who is open and honest has everything to fear from a system that attempts to bend its own laws and if necessary, will break them?

The one size fits all response typically used by politicians does a huge disservice to society, the legal system and those that enforce the laws on the ground. It raises the suspicion of law abiding citizens and generates contempt towards Police and law makers.

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