by Lynn Cox

lcox@thekmgroup.co.uk

A climate change expert has complained to Kent Police after he was photographed by undercover officers at a public meeting discussing the issue, in Chatham.

Richard Knox Johnson, 67, who is also a magistrate in Maidstone and the chairman of the Kent branch of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, attended a public meeting at Fort Amherst a week before the start of the Climate Camp protest last August.

He was there to give expert advice about climate change in Kent, but was targetted by police intelligence teams who photographed him and noted down his number plate.

Mr Knox Johnson, who lives in Hartlip, has written a letter to the force, to complain about the intrusion, but has yet to get an apology, or find out if the photographs will be destroyed.

He said: "I went to the meeting to give advice and show a film about how climate change, especially coal-fired power stations, and how they will effect people in Kent.

"It was not a protest, but an informative meeting to let people in the area know the effects climate change has on them.

"There was never any suggestion or reason for people to start trouble at it.

"It was to inform people how they could help stop climate change, if there was ever any suggesti there would be protesters or trouble, I would not have gone along."

After the meeting finished, it was pointed out to Mr Knox Johnson, that he and others were being photographed by plain-clothed police officers.

He added: "There were mainly young people at the meeting who were all well behaved and I was impressed with how interested they were in the issue.

"I think it was unnecessary to take photographs, it was a very friendly meeting, It really is unbelievable.

"I have written to Kent Police complaining about it and have also asked if the photographs will be destroyed, I’ve had two letters back which say they were carrying out a legitimate intelligence gathering operation, but there has been no apology and no indication as to if the photographs will be destroyed.

"I find it quite incredible that they think I may be involved in any protest or mix with people who may cause trouble, I am a magistrate."

Asst Chief Constable Allyn Thomas from Kent Police said: "I have personally been in communication with Mr Johnson. It is regrettable that Mr Johnson continues to feel his concerns have not been resolved.

"We know people feel very strongly about environmental concerns, and there is the possibility that on some occasions, there may be an outburst at public meetings, whether it's just unpleasantness or criminality.

"There is a difficult balance to be struck on between safeguarding the right to protest in a democratic society and protecting the public through preventing crime and disorder.

"We therefore in some cases collect information in a discreet way so if there is a problem or incident we are able to investigate thoroughly.

"Kent Police does not keep data on innocent people and any information collected will be disposed of if that person is not of interest to us.

"Anyone with genuine concerns can ask to see their records under the Data Protection Act, and challenge why information is being held. Decision to remove data remains with the Assistance Chief Constable."