23 March 2023
The News Media Association has expressed deep concern following reports about proposed changes to College of Policing guidance which could weaken open justice.
The guidance, which is currently under review, proposes that suspects charged with offences “can be named” by forces instead of the current guidance which states that suspects “should be named”.
Other proposed changes include recommending to forces that charging information is only released “where the crime is of a serious nature such as rape or murder” or where the incident has already been reported in the media or on social media sites.
NMA chief executive Owen Meredith said: “We are deeply concerned by these proposed changes which would weaken the flow of information from police forces to the general public, undermining the public right to know.
“Professional guidance must create a framework to help and support police officers in achieving a good relationship with the media, rather than erecting new barriers that entrench secrecy.
“We urge the College of Policing to work with publishers and editors through constructive consultation to establish guidance which enables the public to fully see and understand the important work of our police forces.”
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