Police brand Press as ‘extremists’

SECRET police guidance has been

discovered which urges officers to treat journalists akin to criminals and ‘extremist groups’.

The alarming advice has been condemned by newspaper groups who fear it will undermine police-press relations and hinder the public’s right to know about crimes and how they are investigated.

The College of Policing, which provides guidance for police forces in England and Wales, advises officers must declare whether they have friendships or associations with people such as criminals.

While this advice is public, a secret annex listing the types of associations that must be declared includes journalists.

Earlier this year, HM Inspectorate of Constabulary recommended officers disclose associations with ‘journalists and extremist groups’.

A formal complaint has been made to the College of Policing by the Society of Editors and the Crime Reporters Association. Rebecca Camber, chairman of the CRA and the Daily Mail’s crime and security editor, said: ‘This national guidance equates the profession of journalism with criminals, extremists, suspects and sex workers.

‘Crime reporters attend police briefings every day all over the country. Such contact is essential to open justice.’

The Society of Editors said journalists should be removed from the list.

The College of Policing said: ‘We are working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council and others to review the guidance and will listen very carefully to any issues raised by the media.’

‘Contact is essential to open justice’