Police filming innocent members of the public with drones and putting it online is frankly sinister, let alone counter-productive.
The public should follow Government advice to protect themselves and others. Many people think they’re doing just that by taking walks in remote areas…
Despite posts yesterday highlighting issues of people still visiting the #PeakDistrict despite government guidance, the message is still not getting through. @DerPolDroneUnit have been out at beauty spots across the county, and this footage was captured at #CurbarEdge last night. pic.twitter.com/soxWvMl0ls
— Derbyshire Police (@DerbysPolice) March 26, 2020
Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch said:
“Police spying on innocent members of the public with drones to shame them on social media is excessive. It’s not at all clear what police powers are being used to do this.
“It’s critical we protect public health and critical we protect basic democratic norms too. Arbitrary policing will not help the country to fight this pandemic.”
Morning Star — Police spying on people not social distancing is ‘sinister’ and ‘counter productive’
Metro — Police branded ‘sinister’ for using drones to spy on people during lockdown
Express — Iconic Blue Lagoon in Buxton dyed BLACK by Derbyshire Police to deter visitors on lockdown
BBC — Newspaper headlines: Applause for coronavirus NHS ‘heroes’ and ‘Checkpoint Britain’
BBC — Coronavirus: Peak District drone police criticised for ‘lockdown shaming’
The Star — UK police use drones to stop dog walkers during crisis
The Sun — Top cop warns police ‘overzealous’ coronavirus tactics could spark lockdown backlash