Newspaper organizations have denounced the worrying advise for concern that it would sour ties between the press and the police and impede the public’s right to know about crimes and the course of their investigations.
Merseyside Police just last week conducted crucial briefings with the media to rekindle interest in finding Olivia Pratt-murderer. Korbel’s
However, previously undisclosed instruction to police agencies directs them to be wary of any “corrupting” influences from professional journalists.
Officers are advised by the College of Policing, the umbrella organization that provides direction for the forces in England and Wales, to disclose any affiliations or ties they may have with persons like criminals.
Although this guidance is made public, it has come to light that journalists are included among the affiliations that need to be revealed in a covert appendix.
HM Inspectorate of Constabulary advised police personnel to reveal affiliations with “journalists and extremist organizations” earlier this year.
The inspectorate apologized and agreed to modify the phrasing in response to criticism about treating these two equally.
Secret police instructions advising cops to treat journalists like criminals and “extremist organizations” have been found.
HM Inspectorate of Constabulary advised police personnel to reveal affiliations with “journalists and extremist organizations” earlier this year. (File photo)
However, the guidance is still the same, and journalism is still included in the list of authorized professional practices for fighting corruption provided by the College of Policing.
According to Ruth Smeeth of the advocacy organization Index on Censorship, “Freedom of the media is a basis of our democracy” and “We are more accustomed to seeing with our work in authoritarian regimes throughout the globe rather than sophisticated democracies”
The Society of Editors and the Crime Reporters Association have officially complained to the College of Policing. The Daily Mail’s crime and security editor Rebecca Camber, the head of the CRA, said: “This national policy links the profession of journalism with criminals, extremists, suspects, and sex workers.”
Ruth Smeeth, a former member of parliament who is now a campaigner for Index on Censorship, declared: “Freedom of the media is a basis of our democracy.”
“Crime reporters cover police briefings around the nation every day. That is not dishonest or corrupt in any way. In reality, such communication is necessary to establish fairness.
“Media coverage not only helps in the investigation of crimes, but also aids in the prosecution of criminals and the preservation of public safety.
“Forcing police personnel to declare associations with journalists would have a chilling impact on police-press relations, inhibiting whistleblowers from speaking out and deterring officers from having genuine, necessary interaction with the media,” the report states.
According to the Society of Editors, journalists should be taken from the list.
“There is a public expectation that the police have measures in place to secure sensitive information held by the police, which may include details about the general public and police activities,” the College of Policing said.
This calls for the disclosure of any possible conflicts of interest in order to be open and transparent and to reduce any potential hazards.
“The direction provided to police forces should not obstruct positive interactions between the police and the media.”
“We are reviewing the instructions with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and others, and we will listen very carefully to any objections expressed by the media,” the statement reads.