People doing their own audits of places

[Halcyon]

You may have seen videos all over the usual places such as yyoutube, facebook, etc of people who do so called "audits" of places such as government buildings, police stations, army barracks, businesses, etc.

They go onsite with a camera and film whatever they can see and when asked what they are doing by security, start an argument saying it is for "public interest".


They may be on public land to film but what they are filming is often private.

What do you think to these videos?


Often they film people entering the building, the staff cars in the car park, etc.

I think it is a security risk. For example some police officers may not want their own vehicle or identities linked on camera for public viewing all over the Internet.


These film makers believe they can do what they want and film anywhere.
They have nothing better to do and often the police are called and they are wasting valuable police time.

[BenMcr]

It's a creeping symptom of the import of the 'sovereign citizen' thing from the US. They think their own personal views and lifestyle override the current laws and rules of the land apart from 'common law' which basically means they'll go back and find old laws and rules that fit with what they want to do.

In the UK the effect was how the 'magna carta' suddenly started getting quoted for justification why people weren't following the lockdown rules, even though it's completely out of date and irrelevant. But it sounded good when quoted and amplified on social media

And it's also driving people going into hospitals and 'serving legal papers' which are nothing of the sort and have no legal standing.

[Jaymoss]

The Police can view information on me without asking so tough luck imo.
I do know of course they often do it to get a rise off those they are filming so they can get kits. Thing is this is all a product of todays society when clicked links can earn people a very comfortable living

[Halcyon]

I think some people like to think they can twist the law or apply it just to themselves and that anyone else has no power over them.


They believe that there are hidden secrets or conspiracy theories but underneath it all I think they are simply loopy and have nothing better to do than waste everyones time.


Even if you are standing on public ground you shouldnt be filiming and exposing people or places without their consent in my opinion.

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Even if you are standing on public ground you shouldnt be filiming and exposing people or places without their consent in my opinion.

So next time you go on holiday, and take pictures, you'll be asking everyone in the background for their consent ?

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by Paul

So next time you go on holiday, and take pictures, you'll be asking everyone in the background for their consent ?

Obviously not.
I'm talking about confidential or private matters.
You wouldnt expect to go to work and have someone turn up with a camera filming what you are doing (unless you are an actor of course).
Lets say you are a police officer. Possibly undercover...You are getting on with your sensitive job and someone comes and starts filming you.


There are many implications here.


The same is true with filming biuildings. Someone could use that as a way to determine best ways of entry, where money is held etc.

[Jaymoss]

The Police are public servants

Is this actually happening in the UK? I did a quick YouTube search and found a few US examples but it hardly seems to be a widespread problem even over there.

[Taf]

I worked on an RAF airfield, where most of the perimeter security was an overgrown 3ft fence and signs stating "No Public Access".

The RAF police and MOD police had a hard time escorting groups like CND off the base after they just walked-in at the remoter areas of the airfield.

The protesters often filmed and took photos during their "visits", but this was destroyed in most cases under the Official Secrets Act.

The buildings they wanted to get to were secured by the USMC. Guards in towers watched 24/7. Plenty of signage to stay away, and a yellow line on the ground marked their instant reaction perimeter. Cross that line, and you wouldn't be walking back.

Even RAF personnel dared not cross that line without an armed USMC guard.

Their Gunnery Sergeant would frequently turn up unannounced, and he would throw a yellow tennis ball past the perimeter. Within seconds, a dummy 2" mortar shell would land on it, fired by the tower guards, and a rapid reaction team would fly out of the guardhouse, armed to the teeth with LIVE ammunition.

It was safe to assume that CND learned about this eventually, and the illegal entries stopped.

These "auditors" had better read the signage, as not all areas as unprotected as they seem.

[Matthew]

There are 1 or 2 I've seen bits of, not doing anything wrong but trying to provoke a reaction. I think 1 of them has previous with police and does seem to target their buildings.

Technically they haven't done anything wrong, weather you agree or not I think there is a line and sometimes they over step the mark in what they are doing at time and the way they behave.

Everyone has their own opinions, maybe on public property but there is some common courtesy in my opinion.

Originally Posted by Halcyon

You wouldnt expect to go to work and have someone turn up with a camera filming what you are doing (unless you are an actor of course).

Actually, that did happen (to me) once, many years ago.
Turned out to be for one of our internal company magazines.

Originally Posted by Halcyon

Lets say you are a police officer. Possibly undercover...You are getting on with your sensitive job and someone comes and starts filming you.

Well if your undercover, Id suggest not making a fuss about it, might not do your cover much good.

[Halcyon]

Originally Posted by Chris

Is this actually happening in the UK? I did a quick YouTube search and found a few US examples but it hardly seems to be a widespread problem even over there.

It is happening. Look up DJ Audits on youtube. That's just one of them.


They seem to think they are owed explanations or need to know anything and everything.

Originally Posted by Taf

Their Gunnery Sergeant would frequently turn up unannounced, and he would throw a yellow tennis ball past the perimeter. Within seconds, a dummy 2" mortar shell would land on it, fired by the tower guards, and a rapid reaction team would fly out of the guardhouse, armed to the teeth with LIVE ammunition.


These "auditors" had better read the signage, as not all areas as unprotected as they seem.

Now theres an idea! Would definately keep people away.
That or a load of guard dogs.