Police and the Media

HC 75, Second Report of Session 2008-09 - Report, Together with Formal Minutes, Oral and Written Evidence

Author:

House of Commons - Home Affairs Committee

Publisher:

TSO (The Stationery Office)

Interaction between police forces and journalists has become more frequent and professional in recent years and the relationship can be mutually beneficial. The Home Affairs Committee felt the less-positive aspects of the relationship, however, warranted investigation.

This report, 'Police and the Media (HC 75)', looks in particular at:

• the practice of holding off-the-record briefings during on-going police operations;

• instances where police have failed to release information to the media; and

• attempts by the police to control media reporting.

The Committee found it difficult to establish the precise extent of off-the-record briefing but examples cited by witnesses convinced it that it occurs too frequently and can be particularly damaging during counter-terrorism operations.

It is not acceptable for officers to identify individual suspects to the media before charge, as this has the potential to damage the investigation, any subsequent trial and the reputation of suspects released without charge. The leaking of information from police officers to journalists breaches police discipline regulations but forces often find it difficult to identify the source of the leak.

Forces should be more forthcoming in providing on-the-record information to journalists about individual crimes. This is in the public interest and greater openness can contribute towards greater public trust in police data. Attempting to influence or control media approaches and programmes is not the role of the police and can be seen as attacking freedom of expression.

Extent	37 pages	ISBN	9780215525710
Size	A4	Price	£10.00
Binding	Paperback	Published	18 Jan 2009
Availability	Colour copy: 3 - 5 days	Delivery	Delivery options and charges

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