It is hoped the guidelines will bring ‘meaningful change’
New guidelines are set to bring ‘meaningful change’ to how the police and media work together. The new Policing and Media Charter was officially launched at the Society of Editors’ ‘Future of News’ conference in London today (Tuesday, March 17), and sets out clear guidance to police force communication teams and journalists to help them work more effectively together during major incidents.
The charter has been jointly developed by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), College of Policing, Crown Prosecution Service, Crime Reporters Association, Society of Editors and Media Lawyers Association.
It follows the forming of a national working group in 2023 which was prompted by the College of Policing’s review into the missing person investigation of Nicola Bulley. The working group has also produced updated guidance for police forces on the release of information to the public and new guidance on journalists requesting material used in open court.
Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Chair of the NPCC, said: “Policing needs open and honest communication with the public, and the media has a central role to play in this, especially in fast-moving or sensitive situations.
“This ground-breaking charter represents the willingness of policing and the media to come together to build mutual trust and bring about meaningful change in how we work together.
“It will form the backbone of stronger relationships between police forces and media organisations across the country, and I’d like to thank everyone who contributed to the vital discussions, debate and disagreements that shaped it.”
Dawn Alford, Chief Executive of the Society of Editors, said: “The relationship between journalists and the police is central to ensuring the public receives accurate and timely information about crime and policing. This charter represents a genuine effort from both policing and the media to rebuild trust and improve the way we work together in the public interest.
“When information flows well between policing and professional journalists, the public benefits. This charter is an important step towards strengthening that cooperation.”
Rebecca Camber, Chair of the Crime Reporters Association, added: “This charter has the potential to fundamentally transform the relationship between police and the media, which remains essential to public confidence and policing legitimacy in the UK.
“Two years ago, the Crime Reporters Association made a series of recommendations kickstarting a vital conversation between policing and the media about rebuilding trust.
“I’m delighted that police have listened and together we have produced a groundbreaking charter which I hope will make a real difference to journalists, police and press officers everywhere.”
You can read the charter here.
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