The BBC notes that rules of engagement for digital photography still are being ironed out in the UK:

Guidelines agreed between senior police and the media were adopted by all forces in England and Wales last year. They state that police have no power to prevent the media taking photos.

They state that “once images are recorded, [the police] have no power to delete or confiscate them without a court order, even if [the police] think they contain damaging or useful evidence.”

And in the case of Phil Smith, an official complaint about the Christmas lights incident helped sort matters out. Not only did he receive a written apology from Suffolk Police, but also a visit from an inspector, who explained that the officer, a special constable, had acted wrongly.

I myself have been stopped and threatened by law enforcement officers (LEO) after taking scenery photos. Most interesting to me in the story above is the revelation that a court order is required to destroy the photos and also that follow-up action was taken by the local police. Did Phil file a formal complaint or are the Suffolk officers working to win public confidence?