Smiling for the Camera

Smiling for the Camera
Something I've wondered, is why police need to wear high visibility vests in situations like this during day time, yet don't need them when working the streets at night, doing regular work, which probably has more risk of being struck by a vehicle. Personally, a better approach might be to have uniforms that are easier to spot without wearing anything on top.

Constable M. Ponting #4850

Constable M. Ponting #4850
On July 4, 2012 I was taking some photos with my cell phone at a fashion show on Stephen Avenue in downtown Calgary, Alberta. Sadly, I left my DSLR at home. After I gave up (due to a low quality camera, and too crowded to get clear shots), I met a couple people who are clearly in the wrong profession.

Police watching Lilac Festival

Police watching Lilac Festival
As usual there's a large, and somewhat excessive police presence at the Lilac Festival. I have no complaints about any of the police, who were all quite friendly. I just find it to be an absurd waste of money. Calgary has a silly policy of mandating a certain ratio of police to attendees, which is then billed to the organizers. That's a huge burden. And, it ignores the fact the festival has been totally peaceful throughout its history.

Seeing things from the other side

Seeing things from the other side
One of the protesters was arrested by police. The crowd followed them, until they got near the police station, and at a "sidewalk closed" sign (due to construction). People were told to stay back. I couldn't shoot the protesters from in front of them, but I noticed I got a shot of front of the protesters in the police officer's sunglasses, which I thought was neat.

Arrest Leads the March

Arrest Leads the March
While at the Harry Hays Building (federal government offices) protesters were told to stay off the plaza area, because it was "private property". The person seen her being taken by police came back there at the end of the protest, and was arrested. However, I don't have the details of what if anything he was charged with. I think I heard him say they said there was a warrant on him.

It’s all smiles with the police

It's all smiles with the police
This was taken on Monday, November 28, 2011 in downtown Calgary. It was the day after the big wind storm on Sunday, and many roads and sidewalks were still closed off while hazards were being cleaned away. I think this is probably the most cops smiling in a single picture of mine. So, that made me use it, even though it's not that sharp of an image.

Police Shades

Police Shades
I visited Downtown Calgary on Saturday, October 15, 2011 to get some pictures of the "Occupy Calgary" gathering which is part of the movement that started with "Occupy Wall Street". I was happy to find that on the same day there was a Zombie Walk that was also downtown. So, I got some pics from both. From all I saw, both events were pretty peaceful. The Zombies won't be back till next year. The Occupy Calgary are trying to maintain an ongoing action, with some protesters camped out on St. Patrick's Island.

Watching Over Us

Watching Over Us
As usual the police were taking photographs of everyone attending the protest. There's a list of causes, that if you are associated with, they will maintain a database on you. They'll release a bit to people who file a Freedom of Information and Privacy Request. But, most of what they collect, which is mainly innocent people, they won't disclose. They'll then share this with police agencies inside and outside Canada.

Watching the watchers watch me

Watching the watchers watch me
This is a picture the police took at an event I was photographing. I recently filed a FOIP (Freedom Of Information and Privacy) Request to find out what information the Calgary Police Service have on me, mainly related to a case of brutality which I shot pictures of, which they destroyed, as part of a coverup in July 2009.