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When spotting in the USA, it is generally a good idea to let the authorities know that you are there and what your intentions are. In most cases, if you speak to the right person, you’ll be thanked for the information and given permission to carry on.
Here are some contact details for various airports:
Washington Dulles – contact Ops on (703) 572-2730 and you’ll be fine from the car park.
Washington National – contact dispatch on (202) 610-7515
For spotting information on nearly 70 US airports, check out our new book – Airport Spotting Guides USA
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On 18 August, the UK Home Office released a circular to clarify counter-terrorism legislation in relation to photography in a public place. This was a result of sections of the Counter Terrorism Act being used to stop innocent photographers taking photos and pursuing their hobby in public places.
Whilst this covers the whole spectrum of photography, no matter what your subject is, it is naturally of importance and relevance to aircraft enthusiasts who take photographs near airports as part of their hobby.
The circular can be read at this link. It is advisable to familiarise yourself with the rules and laws contained within, and even keep a copy handy in your camera bag. For a brief summary, here are some important points:
- Section 43 of the Terrorism Act 2000 a police officer may stop and search a person they reasonably suspect to be a terrorist, to discover whether that person has in their possession anything which may constitute evidence that they are a terrorist. This power can be exercised at any time and in any location.
- Digital images can be viewed as part of a search under section 43 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to discover whether the person has in their possession anything which may constitute evidence that they are a terrorist.
- When conducting a search under section 43, cameras, film and memory cards can be seized if the officer reasonably suspects that these may constitute evidence that the person is a terrorist.
- Officers do not have the power to delete images or destroy film.
- Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000 enable uniformed police officers to stop and search anyone within an authorised area for the purposes of searching for articles of a kind which could be used in connection with terrorism.
- Section 44 does not prohibit the taking of photographs, film or digital images in an authorised area and members of the public and the press should not be prevented from doing so.
The full article: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/about-us/publications/home-office-circulars/circulars-2009/012-2009/
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The local police have issued a warning to spotters at Gatwick airport around the time of the G20 summit in London next week. It reads:
“Over the coming week a Policing operation will commence in conjunction with BAA Airport Security at Gatwick. At times there may be restricted access to certain areas around the airport. We would ask for your full cooperation whilst these enhanced security measures are in place and to be vigilant at all times.
If you do see anything suspicious then please dial 999 immediately stating your exact location along with as much detail as possible as to what you have heard / seen. If you consider the matter a NON emergency then please call 0845 6070999.
There will be a number of non Gatwick Police Officers patrolling. If requested to move on from a particular location by either the Police or BAA Airport Security then please comply with the request.
For those of you who hold the Gatwick Aviation Enthusiast Photo ID Cards, please remember to bring them with you and have them on display whilst at the airport. It not only makes things easier for you but also shows your commitment in helping to keep Gatwick a safe environment for all who will be visiting the airport during this enhanced security period.
REMEMBER IF YOU SUSPECT IT – REPORT IT”
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The following message has been sent from Dutch Police to spotters at Amsterdam Schiphol airport:
Since 1-7-2008 there is 24/7 a new unit operational responsible for the security in the perimeters of Amsterdam Schiphol Airport.
This unit is equipped with Mercedes Jeeps and Volkswagen Touaregs in the well known Dutch Police colours.
Today on the Sramble forum the chief of this Unit, Mr. Warmerdam introduced himself and his unit to the Amsterdam spotters community an to explain what they are doing and why so.
This new unit is working closely together with local Military Police and the Airport Authorities, and the unit plays an important role in the security of the airport.
All members of this police –unit are appointed by Ministry of Justice and Inland Affairs.
The new unit stressed not to be there to make our spotters life miserable but they are there to guard and protect. They acknowledge the fact that spotters can be their extra pair of eyes around the perimeter. This is one of the reasons why these police officers are actively seeking contact with spotters in action and talk to each other.
However is must be clear that they will act immediately in certain circumstances:
- Do not park and do not stop sings must be obeyed at all time from now. So it is clear parking along the famous “Taxibaan” is not allowed anymore. Parking now is only allowed in the designated area’s for this.
- Pedestrians, cyclists etc will not be moved from public roads by them under the now active threat-level ( so not a guarantee under a scale up)
- The perimeter and area around the airport is a so called safety-risk area designated so by government. Therefore this unit has lots of permissions to take actions. Be aware of the fact that one person must always carry an ID with him like drivers licence, passport etc.
- Parking in front of crash gates will not be tolerated.
Furthermore the police notices that lots of spotters are more or less known to each other. So we could have the early and very first signs if “strange birds” are among us. In case of high priority he recommends 112 for alarming whilst in the meantime a special telephone number will be created for this purpose by the Airport Authorities.
I think this is a very positive move. You now know the rules, and know to co-operate with the police as they do not wish to move you on unless necessary.
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