Taking hidden camera into Post Office

ballisticbrian

Does any of the law types know of any legal problems taking a hidden camera into the Post Office?
I've experienced problems across several post offices with taking in franked parcels because they make little or no money for taking them but my current post office takes the biscuit.
The owner of this post office throws my parcels around, once was almost an "over-arm", they are all marked fragile. When not throwing them, he drops them on the floor, this is a daily occurrence. He's also been known to grab the bag off me and yank it under the glass crushing what's in there (didn't go through at all).
Before you ask, there are no franked mail drop off points in my part of town.
He's also refused to do proof of postings on single items stating because "it's between me and Royal Mail."
I figure a hidden camera could catch all this and could be compiled into an incredible blooper video for you tube. Don't get mad, get even. This guys going to look like such an idiot, and the git that he really is.

Because I've recently moved, they don't know they would have got wine at xmas, but this wont be happening.

mrcol1000

As I understand it, you are only allowed to film people on public property or your own without getting people's permission first. Unless it is in the public interest i.e you are a journalist and a pop star is selling you drugs in a hotel room.

Did a quick Google search and there is this but it seems to be more about journalism

http://www.lawgazette.co.uk/law/secret-filming-and-the-case-law-that-subsequently-arises/54378.fullarticle

mrcol1000

Also this. You will be infringing the human rights of the postmaster to lob parcels across the post office in private.

http://www.birketts.co.uk/resources/legal-updates/1420/can-you-secretly-film-your-employees/

ballisticbrian

I wonder how mobile phone footage is seen legally, for example when people went into Tesco during the Horse Meat scandal dressed in costume as a horse.

Flyonthewall

I'm sure I've read stuff on this before, but can't remember the answer for sure.

I'd say if you were using it as evidence to complain to the company then it would probably be considered fine.

However, while people do put things like that up online, I'm not sure it's always legal. I don't think there's anything to stop you recording a video in public but targeting someone, especially while at work, may be a different matter. Even if the video itself wouldn't be consider illegal if the guy found out there may well be other things he could do you for as you could potentially ruin his business, or at least things he may try and take legal action on even he doesn't stand a chance, just to cause you hassle/worry.

There are sites that allow you to write reviews on businesses. There's nothing to stop you writing on them or on local community social media pages. Having said that, you would still have to watch what you write as, again, it could potentially ruin his business. You would have to prove that everything you've said is completely true if the guy took legal action against you.

Flyonthewall

mrcol1000 wrote: »

Also this. You will be infringing the human rights of the postmaster to lob parcels across the post office in private.

http://www.birketts.co.uk/resources/legal-updates/1420/can-you-secretly-film-your-employees/

Secretly filming your employees is totally different though.

You can, within reason, film employees if you inform them of it.

Often on TV you get shows which film secretly. Employees faces are usually blurred, no full names given etc. Those that are shown they no doubt have to get permission from.

retiredlady

Is a shop considered private property though? Or is it a public place when it is open? No expectation of privacy in public places ie cctv etc?

Flyonthewall

retiredlady wrote: »

Is a shop considered private property though? Or is it a public place when it is open? No expectation of privacy in public places ie cctv etc?

That's what I wondered. That's really the answer; public property, camera fine (although maybe a grey area for targeting someone at work? Especially to post online as revenge). Private property, no camera.

I tried searching for the answer though and couldn't find which it'd be classed as.

RFW

I've done some market testing and one of the jobs has been to film staff whilst asking them questions, obviously that is the service provider checking on who sells their service. It isn't always the employer.

I'm not certain legally but I'd say it was legal to film something, it's what you do with the film that causes it to be illegal.

It might be worth finding an investigative TV journalist on Twitter and asking them. You may even get some help.

Flyonthewall

RFW wrote: »

I've done some market testing and one of the jobs has been to film staff whilst asking them questions, obviously that is the service provider checking on who sells their service. It isn't always the employer.

There are some forum posts online from people who have realised they are being filmed at work by mystery shoppers. Not all are happy with it, but it seems to always be the point of if it's public property no one can stop them.

Tesco, however, will probably throw you out if you have a pen and paper nevermind a camera lol. They don't want people taking down prices to compare them according to one thing I read. If found out you were filming I imagine a number of places would tell you to leave right away though.

RFW

Flyonthewall wrote: »

There are some forum posts online from people who have realised they are being filmed at work by mystery shoppers. Not all are happy with it, but it seems to always be the point of if it's public property no one can stop them.

Tesco, however, will probably throw you out if you have a pen and paper nevermind a camera lol. They don't want people taking down prices to compare them according to one thing I read. If found out you were filming I imagine a number of places would tell you to leave right away though.

I've never actually done a filming job, I tend to do any that fit in with me rather than going out of my way to do them.
Most of the filming jobs I've seen have been for financial services where it's a private appointment.