Interesting events happened after the large Reading multi-rigger two weeks ago….
As reported in the local press; following complaints from locals TVP moved in to close the event down on Sunday afternoon (there were so many people there that cops had to wait until numbers dropped!)
TVP deployed about 30 cops to the front of the entry/exit point (cops had previously taken control of this by surprise!) and assembled there in about 4 full serial (TSG) vans.
Crews were packing away, and moving their vans in convoy to get ready to get out (however TVP were preventing the first van from moving).
They heard the shout “GO! GO! GO!” and all the cops from the serial vans advancing towards them. Naturally people were alarmed..
but instead of raising batons, cops produced cameras!
Very slowly and methodically (I am advised the whole operation took 2-3 hours!) the cops filmed and photographed every vehicle, every passenger and the building.
They used mainstream-media style techniques; similar to how the “media circus” move in and surround a celeb; the cops who had no cameras providing the “backup” to invade the targets personal space.
However, the cops were not particularly physically aggressive either (compared to previous engagements between the Thames valley ravers and cops!) and only made about 8 arrests from a very large number of people.
This seems like a new tactic – and definitely one aided by the new technology and perhaps even the media industry. There are plenty of out of work, embittered and angry cameramen and other media types; who would be perfectly happy (for the appropriate fee!) to train cops in how to get good stills and video footage for evidence gathering purposes- and one of the first things any camera op is told is “get in close”.
Also it seemed like the whole event was staged for the benefit of the locals, to show they “are doing something about the problem”. It is perhaps the case the slowness was deliberate – as the ravers “stole” the locals rest time, the cops “take back” time from the raves by delaying them getting home to rest as the comedown came in?
I wonder what they are going to do with all those pictures. Vehicles and drivers will no doubt be checked for the usual traffic matters (although perhaps understandable on our areas dangerous roads) – but what about the people?
No doubt TVP will be trying to find out “whos who” and what else they may get up to. Of course for most people this shouldn’t be too much of a source of paranoia; OTOH its always worth remembering if you attend raves or take part in any other form of underground activity the rest of your life is perhaps also being scrutinised and you may be called to account for it..
