Groundbreaking new guidelines will set the standard for police and media relations

A SENIOR policing boss says the media has a “central role to play” during major incidents as a new charter marks the biggest reset of relations between police and journalists for decades.

- By OLIVER PRIDMORE

More than two years of working between senior leaders from policing, criminal justice and the media has resulted in the publication of the new Policing and Media Charter.

Launched at yesterday's Society of Editors’ Future of News conference in London, the charter sets out clear guidance to police communication teams and journalists to help them work more effectively together during major incidents.

The document is accessible for all levels of journalists and police communications workers.

A national working group was established in late 2023 after the College of Policing’s review into the Nicola Bulley missing person investigation, which attracted unprecedented levels of mainstream and social media interest.

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.

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.