Police apologise for "over zealous" terror law questioning (From Enfield Independent)

Police apologise for "over zealous" terror law questioning

12:49pm Wednesday 15th April 2009

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ENFIELD Police have apologised to a man who was questioned under anti-terror laws for taking a picture of a police car in a park.

Malcolm Sleath, the chairman of the Friends of the Town Park, took the picture because he did not think the officers should have been driving the car in the park.

But a PCSO got out of the car and questioned him under Section 44 of the Terrorism Act 2000.

A spokeswoman confirmed that a senior officer had spoken to Mr Sleath and apologised for his "over zealous approach".

But she said the officer did not want to be named or to be interviewed by the Independent.

She said: "Following a review of the incident the PCSO has received formal words of advice in line with our disciplinary procedures.

She added: "The PCSO felt it was improper for the member of the public to photograph his vehicle and challenged him regarding this, citing the Terrorism Act 2000 and the current threat levels.

"He was not searched but was asked to account for his actions."

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