police camera van

[TOV!E]

Parked near me is a Thames valley police camera van, I went to ask how long they will be blocking my drive and was astonished to see a chap with a tee shirt and shorts on inside operating the camera.
I asked how can a civilian be in a police van (police written all over it)and not be prosecuted for imitating a police officer.
He just told me to ps off....................
Are they allowed to do this as he is no way a police officer in a police vehicle

[mwstewart]

Hope he moved the van. Lack of uniform is a bit unprofessional but I suppose the role isn't really public facing.

[TOV!E]

mwstewart said:

Hope he moved the van. Lack of uniform is a bit unprofessional but I suppose the role isn't really public facing.

asked him if he was a police officer and he said "NO but I used to be"

[vikingaero]

Park in front of it and unload the boot... slowly

[eltax91]

PH meet at the OP's?

[V8RX7]

Apparently they don't have to be Police, there are a few videos on Youtube with them being challenged about it.

[cpjitservices]

They drive the vans but I dont think they are actually a divison of the police ?

[Theophany]

Isn't it about time you did an oil change OP? Right behind the camera van.

[jhonn]

Well, if he did tell you to ps off, and depending on much this upsets you and how much you want to mess with him, you could..
Take photos of the van in your driveway
Ask him why he told you to ps off - remember to film this on your phone
Ask him on whose authority he is there, ask for his identity and who his supervisor is - keep filming (or ensure witnesses)

Take all of this to the appropriate authority - even if it is ok for a non-police officer to man the van as it were, I'm sure that there will be a policy or code of conduct that they have to adhere to.

Of course, be aware of some potential that you may have to deal with 'repurcussions'.

[loskie]

they are civilian police staff.
Gather evidence which is then examined by bona fide police who take forward for prosecution.
Re the shorts; it will be damned hot in those vans.
Blocking right of way is not acceptable.

https://www.lancashire.police.uk/help-advice/road-...