New Police Uniform Scheme for Film & TV Extras
Introducing the UK Film and TV Registration Scheme, a new system designed to protect people who own and use police uniforms for film and TV work.
Do you ever use your own Police Uniform for filming?
As of January 1st 2016, people who own, travel with and use police uniforms for filming will be able to register with the UK Film and TV Registration Scheme. It is a police-backed system devised to overcome the historical difficulties caused by people in the film and TV industries who are in possession of an official-looking uniform. The scheme is designed to provide a way of proving that you have the uniform for film and TV work and to prevent you from being temporarily detained.
Full details can be found at www.ukfilmandtv.com.
What You Need to Know: Legislation
Police Act 1996, Section 90
(1) Any person who with intent to deceive impersonates a member of a police force or special constable, or makes any statement or does any act calculated falsely to suggest that he is such a member or constable, shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale, or to both.
(2) Any person who, not being a constable, wears any article of police uniform in circumstances where it gives him an appearance so nearly resembling that of a member of a police force as to be calculated to deceive shall be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 3 on the standard scale.
(3) Any person who, not being a member of a police force or special constable, has in his possession any article of police uniform shall, unless he proves that he obtained possession of that article lawfully and has possession of it for a lawful purpose, be guilty of an offence and liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 1 on the standard scale.
(4) In this section— (a)“article of police uniform” means any article of uniform or any distinctive badge or mark or document of identification usually issued to members of police forces or special constables, or anything having the appearance of such an article, badge, mark or document,
Possession of the UK Film and TV Registration Scheme card quickly and effectively provides evidence of the “lawful purpose” required under the Act.
The UK Film and TV Registration Scheme: FAQ
Am I affected?
People who own and use police uniform for filming risk being stopped and detained by police. If you are part of the UK Film and TV Registration Scheme, you can present your card if stopped to prevent this from happening. Whilst there is no legal obligation to be part of the scheme, it is recommended if you own, travel with and use a police uniform regularly for filming.
I specialise in police roles but don’t own or travel with a police costume. Do I need to register?
If you don’t own or travel with your own uniform, you don’t need to register.
I don’t own a police uniform, but I do have other emergency services costumes. Do I need to register?
You may register if you want to, but the scheme is only really designed to cover police uniforms.
When can I register?
The scheme is now open for registration.
How do I register?
To register go to www.ukfilmandtv.com and follow the on-screen instructions.
How much does it cost to register?
The cost to register will be £39 for the first year and £29 per year thereafter.
What happens once you’ve registered?
Once registered, you will be issued with a registration card containing your photograph and scheme registration number. You registration is valid for 12 months from the date of original registration.
What will the registration scheme ID card look like?
It will be credit card size with your photo and unique registration number on the front. On the reverse will be details for the police and security services to use in verifying the identity of the card holder.
What should I do if I am stopped by the police with a police costume in my possession?
Explain that you are a Supporting Artiste and that you are a member of the UK Film and TV Registration Scheme. Then offer to produce your registration card.
Once I am registered, can I upload my ID card to my profile?
Absolutely, once you have registered please go to the My Documents page of your profile to upload a photo or scan of your ID Card. Please note that you will need to select the ‘UK Film & TV Registration Police Scheme Card‘ option from the dropdown menu when uploading your ID.