In recent times, a disturbing trend has emerged where individuals and groups, often referred to as "auditors," intentionally provoke and record emergency service personnel, particularly police officers, during the execution of their duties. This is not just an invasion of privacy and breach of professionalism but also an unnecessary distraction for the officers tasked with maintaining public safety and security.

As a concerned citizen, I have witnessed firsthand the detrimental impact this behavior has on our emergency services. These important members of our community already face high-stress situations daily. Being filmed often with the intent of generating negative reactions exacerbates the pressure on them, potentially leading to mistakes or escalations that could have been avoided.

Emergency service personnel are the backbone of our society, responding selflessly and promptly to disasters, accidents, and crime scenes. Filming them without consent while they are on duty not only breaches their privacy but can also hinder their ability to effectively perform their duties due to increased distractions and the looming threat of their actions being taken out of context.

Further, these recordings often end up on social media platforms, where they are misrepresented, shared widely, and criticised without the full context. This can lead to unjust public outrage and damage the reputation of hardworking officers doing their best to protect and serve the community.

There need to be clear legal boundaries to safeguard our emergency services from such undue stress and distractions. I propose that it becomes illegal to film emergency service personnel at any premises they utilise or while executing their official duties unless explicit prior consent has been granted.

With your support, we can push for legislation that protects our emergency services from the unnecessary scrutiny and exploitation they face at the hands of so-called auditors. By signing this petition, you are supporting a safer and more respectful working environment for those who dedicate their lives to serving us all. Please sign to show your support for this crucial cause.