Parents whose kids play in a West Vancouver playground say they've been creeped out by a man taking photographs of their children without their permission.
But West Vancouver Police say there's nothing illegal about those actions by themselves.
Police were called to the play area in John Lawson Park by parents unhappy about their children being photographed by a stranger on two recent occasions - once earlier in the summer and once Sept. 21.
Const. Jeff Palmer, spokesperson for the West Vancouver Police, said on both occasions an older man was taking photos of children he had no association with. "It was causing discomfort for parents of the children," he said.
One mother took a photo of the photographer and posted it on social media with a message to other parents.
Following the incident in July, police spoke to the photographer and determined there was nothing to indicate he was doing anything wrong.
In the most recent incident, a man - who is not believed to be the same photographer - was also approaching and speaking with the children. He also appeared to be using a "larger, more powerful lens," said Palmer.
Palmer said checking with parents before photographing children is good "social etiquette," but there is no legal requirement to do so.
"You have no expectation of privacy in a public park," he said. "You're in a public place. Somebody can take your picture."
Richard Smith, director of the Centre for Digital Media, in Vancouver, agrees.
"That's the definition of public," he said.
Smith said it's possible someone could use the photograph in an illegal way after it's taken - by posting it online with defamatory comments or using it for a commercial purpose - but that doesn't mean taking the photograph is wrong to begin with.
Smith said most people don't realize they are probably being photographed all the time in the background of other people's photos. "They're all over the web," he said.
Palmer said it's not unreasonable to ask the photographer what the purpose is, and to ask them to stop if it makes you uncomfortable.
Smith said one approach is to ask for a copy of the photo.
If parents are still uncomfortable, "You should bundle your child up and get out of there," he said.
Palmer said if anyone has information about the latest incident, they should call the West Vancouver Police.
