Police agree to release mugshots for all custodial sentences
Crime / Tue 17th Mar 2026 at 05:43pm
POLICE forces have agreed a wide-ranging series of measures to repair the “broken” relationship with the media, including releasing mugshots for all custodial sentences reports Hold The Front Page.
Journalists are hailing a new era in police-press relations as a result of the proposed changes which are being unveiled ahead of today’s Society of Editors conference in London.
The new ‘Policing and Media Charter’ published by the National Police Chiefs’ Council today follows a 2024 report by editors, crime reporters and media lawyers which described the relationship between the police and the media as “broken.”
Click below for full report.
Gonestone Pigledge
2026-03-18 04:15:47
About time.
gary roberts
2026-03-18 15:24:33
The question is why? The answer is...... What a waste of time. Releasing "mug shots" of those convicted of an offence will do nothing to help the victim or their family. Next the stocks will be introduced on Harlow Common and people will throw rotting vegetables at the convicted proving nothing of value to anyone.
David Forman
2026-03-19 07:02:37
Gary should try reading the report. Here is a section for him to ponder: "Publicity can also help solve crimes. Press officers do their best putting out regular appeals to catch offenders, but they may not receive widespread coverage. The BBC’s Crimewatch is no longer prime time TV and some local news outlets have shut. But a family tribute can be a powerful way of gaining media coverage, thereby informing the public about a case which may lead to new witnesses coming forward. There is a positive role that the press can play in raising awareness of campaigns on behalf of families or fundraising. For example, the Manchester Evening News raised £1,000,000 for an emergency appeal following the arena bombing in 24 hours. More recently £300,000 has been raised for the family of PC Harper. As a result of media coverage, a mental health campaign honouring Brianna Ghey has raised £50,000 and led to a House of Commons debate on mindfulness in schools. Her mother has also worked with the media to raise concerns about children using smartphones with social media apps. Forces should be mindful that some bereaved relatives may wish to speak about the handling of their case. Care should be taken to ensure that families feel free to express their own independent views. The Nicola Bulley investigation review found: ‘Every family and member of the public has the absolute right to comment on a police investigation and related activity that they have been subject of or to.’ See full report at: https://www.societyofeditors.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/POLICE-AND-THE-MEDIA-REPAIRING-THE-RELATIONSHIP-REPORT.pdf
Gary Roberts
2026-03-19 09:03:30
But David they can do that anyway before conviction and before arrest and during an investigation. What is the reason for releasing a "mug shot" after conviction? Indeed this organ has done it before in terms of, "we are looking for this man to help our inquiries". It looks as if they are just looking for a pointless story that does nothing for the victim or their family.
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