The Crime Agents Q&A: Filming police officers, Iran’s terror threat & how can youth workers stop gang crime?
Mar 15, 2026
Discussion on whether filming police helps accountability or crosses a line, including risks when armed units are involved. Explanation of why Iran-linked networks and recent strikes raise the UK terror threat. Exploration of how trauma-informed youth work and ex-offender mentors can reduce gang recruitment and reoffending.
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Iran Conflict Raises UK Terror Threat
- Iran-backed groups and IRGC networks in the UK create a heightened terror risk now that conflict has escalated.
- Neil Basu cites 20 foiled Iranian-linked plots in 12 months and warns attention may shift from dissidents to the public.
Only Film Police When Capturing Real Misconduct
- Film genuine police misconduct but avoid provoking or seeking clicks by 'police auditing' stunts.
- Andy Hughes and Neil Basu say the Met now publishes bodycam to expose auditors and urge filming only when capturing clear wrongdoing.
Auditors Can Jeopardise Sensitive Policing
- Police auditors often create needless friction and can endanger operations, especially near sensitive locations.
- Neil Basu highlights an example of an auditor filming outside a firearms/counter-terror building and needlessly antagonising armed officers.