In addition to the music that allegedly plays in 34 separate police stations, they're also being accused of allowing employees to listen to it in gyms and at office parties. They've even gone so far as to use unlicensed music for entertaining the public when they get put on hold while calling in.
Since Lancashire Constabulary's head of legal services, Niamh Noone, instructed officers not to discuss what was being played with PRS representatives, the agency decided to take them to court in order to collect back royalties they believe are owed and arrange for proper licensing so that future royalties may be collected in a more timely manner.
Although PRS representatives didn't personally witness the music being played, or in fact get specifics from representatives of the Lancashire Constabulary, based on information gained from police in other areas of the country they feel confident that the violations are taking place in Lancashire. Given Ms Noone's failure to provide them with a compelling argument, or any argument for that matter, why they shouldn't be receiving royalties they're assuming that the Chief Constable agrees with their assessment.
Written by: Rich Fiscus @ 15 Jun 2008 2:56
