Re: Question for spotters
I was stopped on the perimeter road at Farnborough Airport whilst the show was in progress. I was taking pictures of the landing aircraft at the time.
The 'excuse' given by the officer was that I was subject to the terroism act and he had the right to stop and question me about what I was doing as it was a suspicious activity. As is the case with many police officers, his tone and comments were extremely patronising. To cut a long story short I refused to answer his questions because of his tone and carried on taking pictures. He advised me that if i continued to refuse to answer that I would be liable to arrest. My reply was 'arrest me then'. Basically i was calling his bluff and it worked as he backed down from his confrontational manner to more of a general chit-chat.
I would assume that common sense and reason would be two, but to name a few of the essential qualities needed to be a police officer today. Sadly this doesn't seem to be the case as the story above shows. The reason I have shared this story is that this wasn't the first time i've been approached by the police for said activity and nor will it be the last, but it was the first time I've refused to coperate simply because I'd had enough of confrontational, arrogant, patronising people questioning my right to enjoy a legitimate pastime. They are the minority, but for my liking there are far too many of them about and they seem to be growing.
To those that have politely enquired as to my actions I have given a straight forward respone and will continue to do so, but for the others....................