Gromit -
As a former Police Officer myself, I support the Police wholeheartedly. However, this officer acted completely unprofessionally and appears to have a penchant for hitting / pushing innocent bystanders. He appears to be a thug and as such, should be thrown out of the Police.
With regards to the filming of Police Officers whilst in the course of their duties, it is an offence under the Terrorism Act 2000 (subsequently amended by the Counter-Terrorism Act 2008) to photograph or film a police officer or any member of our armed forces if it is suspected that that film or photograph may be used for terrorist purposes. Reading the letter of the law, this seems reasonable and well intentioned.
However, certain grass-roots Police Officers and some senior members of the Police have interpreted this law to mean that there is a complete moratorium on filming or photographing the police in any circumstances. This is simply wrong. And potentially very dangerous.
When a Police Officer in uniform is carrying out their duties – be that walking the beat or controlling a rioting crowd - they should always be operating under the same rules as every other person in a public place: Anyone in a public place has no 'right' to privacy and can be filmed without their consent.