THE Society of Editors has welcomed the publication today of new guidance issued to all police forces in England and Wales promoting the accurate and timely release of information to accredited media outlets.

The Media and Communications Authorised Professional Practice guidance, published by the College of Policing, has been developed in conjunction with the media, including the Society of Editors, to ensure that journalists can fulfil their roles in proving timely scrutiny of the service and supporting police with appeals.

Today’s new guidance sets out how police forces should share information during investigations and major incidents and sets a clear expectation that police forces will challenge mis- and disinformation where it may affect public safety or the pursuit of justice.  

Responding to the publication, Dawn Alford, Chief Executive of the Society of Editors said: “The publication of today’s guidance forms part of a wider commitment between policing bodies and the media to promote an effective and positive working relationship between officers and journalists for the benefit of the public.

“We are pleased that the guidance now recognises the reality of today’s fast-paced media landscape as well as the challenges posed by mis and disinformation online and the need for forces to challenge false narratives in a timely manner. We look forward to continuing to work with policing bodies to strengthen this important relationship.”

The guidance aims to provide a consistent national approach for all 43 forces, in turn increasing the public’s trust and confidence in the police to provide the right information at the right time. For journalists, the guidance offers more structured briefings, clearer access arrangements, and improved transparency around how and when information is released.

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, said: “We now live in a world where mis- and disinformation can spread like wildfire, doing untold harm to communities and undermining public trust in the police if not countered quickly. It is therefore crucial that police provide prompt, trustworthy information, on a nationally consistent basis.

“This guidance sets out the level of information the public and accredited media will receive from police forces, meaning people can expect clear, timely updates, especially at times of uncertainty and during high-profile incidents. 

“We have listened to feedback from the public, journalists, and police professionals to make this guidance fit for today’s challenges and news landscape.”

The updated guidance can be found here.