Press Freedom
(asked on 8th November 2022) - View Source
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how the press's right to report on police operations and protest situations is taught at (a) College of Policing initial training and (b) continuing professional development.
The management of demonstrations is as operational matter for the police. Ministers are unable to intervene in individual cases or in operational decisions made by the police. To do so would undermine the principle that the police are operationally independent of Government. It is for the Police, in conjunction with the Crown Prosecution Service to determine whether an action warrants possible criminal proceedings.
The Government recognises that the challenges of policing protests means that they often need to make quick decisions, including to maintain public safety and prevent disruption.
Training standards and the national policing curriculum are set by the College of Policing. Forces provide local training and development at several different levels ranging from initial entry, leadership and ongoing development to reflect and reinforce organisational values
The College of Policing’s Initial Learning Curriculum includes a package of content on effectively dealing with the media in a policing context. In addition, the College of Policing’s Authorised Policing Practice contains a section dedicated to reporting from the scene of an incident. This can be found through the link below:
https://www.college.police.uk/app/engagement-and-communication/media-relations
Similarly, the Authorised Professional Practice for Public Order contains a section on the interaction of the police with members of the media. This includes the recognition of press identification, including the UK Press Card. This can be found through the link below:
https://www.college.police.uk/app/public-order/communication - members-of-the-media
Hertfordshire Constabulary has confirmed in a press statement that additional measures are now in place to ensure that legitimate media are able to do their job following concerns over the recent arrests. The force has also requested an independent force to examine its approach to these arrests and to identify any learning. This can be found through the link below: