"Being an ex Parky Plod that's not the case at all. If commercial you would need permission, but bot for private or educational needs.Whilst it's open anyone can film anyone else ( we also had a debate about this too and filming kiddies playgrounds, not illegal full stop ), if they are filming when it's closed it's a byelaw usually ( the old park after dark one )"

I quote the above from a "Police Specials" website.

http://www.policespecials.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=66461

So go ahead and film. If they stop you then stand your ground and take it all the way. Make sure to keep your camera running when having the discussion.

Best of luck

We pay the taxes, we employ the public servants.

i always take pictures up aberdare park of Jacob running around.... if i didnt take pictures up there then Jacobs photo's would all be boring..... this is a part of him growing up and i get better pics when i he's enjoying himself.

try and get some written proof about being allowed to take pics or filming up there and print it out and if you get stopped again show them the proof.

what they did to you was very wrong.

Photography advice
The Metropolitan Police Service’s approach towards photography in public places is a subject of regular debate.
We encourage officers and the public to be vigilant against terrorism but recognise the balance between effective policing and protecting Londoners and respecting the rights of the media and the general public to take photographs.
Guidance around the issue has been made clear to officers and PCSOs through briefings and internal communications. The following advice is available to all officers and provides a summary of the Metropolitan Police Service’s guidance around photography in public places.

Freedom to photograph/film
Members of the public and the media do not need a permit to film or photograph in public places and police have no power to stop them filming or photographing incidents or police personnel.

Photography and Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000
The Terrorism Act 2000 does not prohibit people from taking photographs or digital images in an area where an authority under section 44 is in place.
Officers have the power to view digital images contained in mobile telephones or cameras carried by a person searched under S44 of the Terrorism Act 2000, provided that the viewing is to determine whether the images contained in the camera or mobile telephone are of a kind, which could be used in connection with terrorism. Officers also have the power to seize and retain any article found during the search which the officer reasonably suspects is intended to be used in connection with terrorism.

Photography and Section 43 of the Terrorism Act 2000
Officers have the power to view digital images contained in mobile telephones or cameras carried by a person searched under S43 of the Terrorism Act 2000 to discover whether they have in their possession anything which may constitute evidence that they are involved in terrorism. Officers also have the power to seize and retain any article found during the search which the officer reasonably suspects may constitute evidence that the person is involved in terrorism.

Section 58a of the Terrorism Act 2000

Section 58a of the Terrorism Act 2000 covers the offence of eliciting, publishing or communicating information about members of the armed forces, intelligence services or police.
Any officer making an arrest for an offence under Section 58a must be able to demonstrate a reasonable suspicion that the information was of a kind likely to be useful to a person committing or preparing an act of terrorism.
It should ordinarily be considered inappropriate to use Section 58a to arrest people photographing police officers in the course of normal policing activities, including protests, as without more, there is no link to terrorism.
There is however nothing preventing officers asking questions of an individual who appears to be taking photographs of someone who is or has been a member of Her Majesty’s Forces (HMF), Intelligence Services or a constable.
Guidelines for MPS staff on dealing with media reporters, press photographers and television crews

Contact with photographers, reporters and television crews is a regular occurrence for many officers and staff. The media influences our reputation so it's crucial to maintain good working relations with its members, even in difficult circumstances.

Following these guidelines means both media and police can fulfil their duties without hindering each other.

Creating vantage points

When areas are cordoned off following an incident, creating a vantage point, if possible, where members of the media at the scene can see police activity, can help them do their job without interfering with a police operation. However, media may still report from areas accessible to the general public.

Identifying the media
Genuine members of the media carry identification, for instance the UK Press Card, which they will present on request.

The press and the public
If someone distressed or bereaved asks the police to stop the media recording them, the request can be passed on to the media, but not enforced.

Access to incident scenes
The Senior Investigating Officer is in charge of granting members of the media access to incident scenes. In the early stages of investigation, evidence gathering and forensic retrieval take priority over media access, but, where appropriate, access should be allowed as soon as is practicable.

Yes it is a different world these days, You can't take photos on the beaches here in OZ unless you are approached by security or lifeguards but at the same time you can't blame the autorities for that, You have to point the finger at the sickos out there that have spoiled many activities by their nefarious carrying on's where they photograph children in compromising situations and use them to satisfy their sick minds.

Pornography is rife on the internet, in our towns and probably in your own streets these days so is it any wonder why you can't use a camera in a public place nowadays without suspicion.

Whatever man invents he will abuse, that's why he has brought the world to the state it is in today,
and let's be honest it is in a bloody mess.