They'd be allowed, but you're an idiot if you do.

 

That shit would be subpoenaed for the most minute thing. Plus defense lawyers could spin police harassment, police brutality, etc so easily. EVERYTHING the officer does HAS to be by the book, TO THE "T". 

This is a great thread. They can record (as can you), but they risk their property being subpoenaed in court. Furthermore, recording with your own equipment as an officer risks your own private property. A GoPro, which is not cheap, is not worth risking for a clip of a felon cussing you out, nor is it worth violating department policy and your badge to put it on YouTube. 

Well, I know American's get defensive over their rights (not all). Here in the UK, as far as I know, it's illegal to record or photograph someone without their consent and over 18, so I could see where the problem would arise.

 

This is completely untrue. In no part of UK law does it state that you have to A: Ask someone's permission or B: That they be over 18.

You are free to photograph or record anything either in a public place or visible from a public place, including people. Whilst people can think that you need their permission to photograph them this is just a complete myth.