Calls have been made to axe secret police counter-corruption guidance, which seems to treat journalists similarly to criminals and extremists.
The hidden section of the College of Policing’s (CoP) guidance could risk “equating the media profession with the wrong-doing and corruption” journalists seek to uncover, two organisations have warned.
In a letter to the CoP’s chief executive, the Society of Editors and the Crime Reporters Association (CRA) said the advice threatens “damaging the public’s perception of the media” and requires “urgent revision”.
Under the Authorised Professional Practice (APP) guidance, journalists have been listed in the “notifiable associations” section, meaning officers should declare if they are associated with one to their police force.
The list, which is issued to all police forces in England and Wales, also includes criminals, extremists, political parties and activist groups.
Although parts of the guidance are published online, this specific section is restricted and therefore not open to public scrutiny.
“The media fulfils a vital role in keeping the public informed about the work of the police and alongside bringing offenders to justice and helping keep communities safe, media scrutiny promotes transparency and aids understanding of how police forces across the UK operate,” the letter continued.
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It added that by including journalists in the guidance, it gives the “wrongful impression that reporters seek to corrupt or deceive” people.
It comes after the Metropolitan Police was criticised by the industry’s watchdog for not requiring officers to disclose associations in line with the national guidance.
‘A disturbing precedent’
Earlier this year, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) apologised after appearing to equate journalists with extremist groups in findings on corruption in the Met.
Its report recommended police officers disclose associations with “journalists and extremist groups”.
Despite the apology, the recommendation remained unchanged, and its implementation is thought to be under review by the force, industry leaders said, warning that, if it decided to adopt the suggestion, it “would set a disturbing precedent”.
An HMICFRS spokeswoman said: “We acknowledge the essential role journalists play in our democracy, including holding police forces to account.
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“We make recommendations for police forces, taking into account relevant authorised professional practice where appropriate.”
“A successful working relationship between the police service and journalists is vital to policing legitimacy in the UK,” the letter from the Society of Editors and the CRA said.
“By continuing to force police officers and staff to list associations with journalists under the banner of counter-corruption efforts, the policy merely continues to associate both with the wrongdoing all seek to distance themselves from.”
The guidance has also been criticised by the campaign group, Index, which has described the freedom of the media as “a bedrock of our democracy” and warns that seeing reporters as a “threat rather than an asset” is something seen in “authoritarian regimes”.
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‘Guidance should not impede healthy relationships’
Steve Hartshorn, national chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), said the body “is not aware of forces obligating individual officers to disclose associations with journalists”.
He added that there is an “ardent need for all forces to work in co-operation with journalists” to promote police work, explain policing issues and ensure public confidence.
The College of Policing explained that journalists have an “important role” in holding forces to account and supporting services with news stories, but there is an expectation for police to have policies in place to “protect sensitive information”.
“This includes a requirement to declare any potential conflicts of interest in order to be open and transparent, as well as mitigate any risks that may arise,” a spokesperson said.
“The guidance given to police forces should not impede healthy relationships between the police and the media. We are working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and others to review the guidance and will listen very carefully to any issues raised.”
