Police Transparency Still Lagging Despite Improved Press Relations, Journalists Say
A panel of prominent crime journalists, speaking at the Society of Editors Media Freedom conference in London, expressed cautious optimism about the evolving relationship between the press and police. While acknowledging positive steps towards greater transparency, they emphasized the need for more rapid and substantial progress. The panel, which included Rebecca Camber of the Daily Mail, Martin Evans of The Daily Telegraph, and Natalie Fahy of Reach, highlighted persistent challenges in accessing basic information, hindering timely and accurate reporting. They argued that greater openness and proactive communication from police forces could combat misinformation and strengthen public trust.
A key concern raised by the journalists was the difficulty in obtaining timely information from police forces, even on seemingly straightforward matters. Camber pointed to the lack of readily available contact information for police officers on force websites and the infrequent use of email for press releases. She stressed the importance of direct communication in building relationships and fostering a productive exchange of information. Fahy echoed these concerns, citing an incident in Nottingham where an eight-hour delay in police communication regarding a cordoned-off city center led to the spread of unfounded rumors about terrorism. This lack of proactive communication, she argued, not only hinders journalistic efforts but also allows misinformation to flourish.
The discussion further explored the challenges posed by major, unexpected events. Evans cited the 2014 Southport knife attacks as a prime example of how police reticence can create an information vacuum, allowing misinformation to proliferate. He argued that even basic, non-prejudicial information, such as the attacker’s religious background, could have helped shape accurate reporting and countered harmful narratives. This case highlighted the tension between the need for timely information and legal constraints surrounding pre-trial publicity. The journalists emphasized that the lack of official information often fuels the spread of inaccurate and potentially damaging rumours on social media, outpacing responsible reporting by established news outlets.
Representatives from law enforcement and policing bodies acknowledged the need for improvement. Andy Marsh, chief executive of the College of Policing, acknowledged the constraints faced by local police forces in disclosing information during ongoing investigations. He revealed that he had unsuccessfully sought clarification from the attorney general on permissible disclosures. John Battle, former chair of the Media Lawyers Association, supported this view, emphasizing the public interest in timely information dissemination. He suggested the development of a formal protocol, similar to the Reporters’ Charter in courts, to define the relationship between the media and police, setting clear expectations for communication and information sharing.
Hayley Equi of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) highlighted ongoing efforts to standardize media practices across police forces. She described the establishment of a communications advisory group and network leads to disseminate best practices. Equi also acknowledged discussions about including contact guidance in future standardization efforts. While these initiatives suggest a commitment to improvement, the journalists on the panel stressed the urgency of translating these plans into tangible changes on the ground. The panel’s concerns reflect a broader debate about the balance between protecting the integrity of investigations and ensuring the public’s right to know.
Marsh, of the College of Policing, underscored the importance of communication in fostering trust and effective leadership. He described efforts to improve media training for chief officers, acknowledging a prevailing risk aversion among some officers towards public engagement. He also emphasized his own proactive approach in holding police chiefs accountable for communication failures, illustrating a commitment to driving cultural change within police forces. However, he cautioned that transforming deeply ingrained practices would require time and sustained effort. The discussion ultimately highlighted the ongoing tension between the media’s need for access and the police’s need to maintain operational integrity, underscoring the need for continuous dialogue and collaboration to find a workable balance.
