Freedom of Information Request Reference No:
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Current policy documents and guidelines governing the interactions between Met police
press officers and journalists requesting information.
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The MPS Media Policy has been published by the MPS. Please find an internet link to
the document below.
MPS Media Policy
http://www.met.police.uk/foi/pdfs/policies/media_policy_2014.pdf
The Media Policy Toolkit has been provided to you in redacted format, that is I have
removed the contact details of members of staff present within the documents.
The formal Refusal Notice for the information redacted, including the relevant sections
under Section 40(2)(a)(b) and Section 40(3)(a)(i) of the Act.
Please refer to the attached document for the Media Policy Toolkit
Information Rights Unit
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Freedom of Information Publication Scheme
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Title :
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Media Policy Toolkit - Questions and Answers (Q&As)
Th is Toolk it provi des a practical gu ide for conduct i ng our relat i onsh i ps wi th journal i sts .
Summa ry:
Branch / OCU :
Date created :
Author:
Restricted - personal data Publication (Y/N) :
Directorate of Media and Communication (DMC )
18th June 2015 Review date :
October 2017 Version :
1 .4
Ed Steams DMC
Media PolicyToolkit - Q&As
1 . What's new from the previous media policy ?
This guidance takes account of three key reports on police media relations : Her Majesty 's
Inspectorate of Constabula ry (HMIC) report Without Fear or Favour ; Elizabeth Filkin 's advice to the
MPS on `the ethical issues arising from the relationship between police and the media ', both
published in Janua ry 2012; and The Leveson Inqui ry into the Culture , Practices and Ethics of the
Press published in November 2012 .
The policy has been updated on many topics including the use of digital media , hospitality between
police and journalists, off-the-record briefings , action to take after briefing a journalist, recording
and publishing ACPO rank officers contact with the media , the naming or identifying of people
arrested and the official and personal use of social media .
2. Who provides information to the media ?
Most information released to national , regional and international media is via the DMC Media Desk
(formerly Press Bureau) , press /communication officers or by police officers (usually in liaison with
press officers) . Local media obtain information from both the Media Desk and through staff who
deal with borough communications .
Digital technology provides additional channels for communicating with the public and the MPS has
embraced the opportunities offered by social media to engage with both local communities and on
a corporate level . (See later Q&A what are the rules about using social media? )
3. When do we confirm a police investigation or police activity and what information do we
release ?
The nature of policing an investigation means it is hard to give cone-size-fits-all answer . However,
there are general principles which should be followed as decisions on information release are
made .
The Media Policy's over-riding principle is - that we should be as open and transparent as possible ,
whilst ensuring operations , investigations , prosecutions , tactics and techniques and the safety of
the public are not compromised and confidential information , including that concerning victims ,
witnesses and suspects is appropriately protected .
We will proactively release information to aid an investigation - most likely with appeal points
asking for the public's assistance . Information on investigations will also be proactively released
when it is deemed to be a matter of public interest and there is a need to maintain public
confidence in our policing activity .
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When the media ask questions about investigations or police activity, our principle is that we will
reactively respond with information except where it will have a detrimental impact on the
investigation or activity . Clear reasoning should be recorded by the officers if we withhold
information we would normally provide . In the same way in which we deal with reactively
responding to questions about individuals arrested , we would not identify individuals who are or
may be involved in an investigation and would not reactively respond in a way that would identify
such individuals .
To help avoid journalists embarking on "Fishing expeditions " where a series of names are put to
the press office , we will follow the same principles of giving reactive information on arrests . We will
expect the reporter to provide sufficient additional detail to identify the investigation or incident
using Met systems . It will follow the same threshold as information needed to confirm arrests , but
should also include the nature of the police activity - e .g . a search , interview under caution or
allegation received .
Where a reporter has clear information about an operation , refusing to comment or confirm could
lead to an accusation of `secret or secretive ' policing and a subsequent loss of confidence .
Any information we do release - proactively or reactively - should as a minimum include the
allegation/offence , date information received , which unit is investigating , arrests, interviews under
caution , bail to returns , and/or charges and relevant appeal points . However, additional context
should be provided where possible . It is good practice to remind journalists that the information
provided should not be seen by them as confirmation of the identity of any individuals .
As an investigation or policing activity continues , officers and communication staff should regularly
review what information has been released and if it is appropriate to release more information .
4. Are police officers allowed to talk to journalists?
In broad terms , officers are authorised to provide journalists with factual information about routine
operational incidents or investigations that they have personal responsibility for if they are of
Inspector rank or above unless there is a specific media strategy in place or a dedicated
spokesperson assigned (such as a murder inqui ry or a sensitive or high profile crime investigation) .
Where possible they should liaise with a press officer when planning to provide a media briefing or
interview to ensure the information is suitable for release , that account is taken of any other
planned MPS media facilities and is not at odds with any corporate priorities that are being
promoted through the media .
There are circumstances where officers below the rank of Inspector may engage with the media
providing they have the approval of a senior officer of Inspector rank or above . Examples of this
are Sergeants and Constables with specialist roles and Sergeants on Safer Neighbourhood Teams
who are encouraged to build links with their local media .
Officers may speak to journalists about activities outside their work for the MPS such as charitable
work , or registered business interests or where they are involved in public civil legal proceedings
involving the MPS such as Civil Actions or Employment Tribunals but must obtain prior permission
from their line management and are reminded that they must continue to follow the expecte d
standards of professional behaviour whether speaking as a police officer or as a private individual .
Careful consideration should be given to the extent of this permission . For example , it could be
time-limited (to a day or week) or limited to a particular interview . It should not be open-ended .
Line managers should not arbitrarily withhold permission and where they do refuse permission
should provide reasons for doing so . We do advise officers to consult their legal representatives , or
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Police federation representatives , before deciding whether to speak to journalists when involved in
legal proceedings .
If in you are doubt about whether or not it is appropriate for you to brief a journa l ist or provide them
with an interview seek advice from the DMC Media Desk on 2 ~(This extension should not
be given to the media) .
5. Are police staff allowed to talk to journalists?
Yes, although in practice most police staff, apart from press officers , rarely deal personally with
journalists . Those who have a role in a particular investigation or operation and are approached by
a journalist for comment should only do so with the agreement of the Gold Commander or Senior
Investigating Officer. Heads of police staff departments should assess the competence of a
particular staff member to deal with the media if occasions arise when it is appropriate for someone
to be interviewed about the work of their unit .
Staff may speak to journalists about activities outside their work for the MPS such as charitable
work , or registered business interests or where they are involved in public civil legal proceedings
involving the MPS such as Civil Actions or Employment Tribunals but must obtain prior permission
from their line management and are reminded that they must continue to follow the expected
standards of professional behaviour whether speaking as a members of MPS staff or as a private
individual . Careful consideration should be given to the extent of this permission . For example , it
could be time-limited (to a day or week) or limited to a particular interview . It should not be openended .
Line managers should not arbitrarily withhold permission and where they do refuse permission
should provide reasons for doing so . We do advise staff to consult their legal representatives , or
union representatives , before deciding whether to speak to journalists when involved in legal
proceedings .
If in doubt about whether or not it is appropriate for ou to brief a journa list or provide them with an
interview seek advice from the DMC (extension . This extension should not be given to
the media.
6. If I have been inte rviewed by a journalist do I need to tell someone ?
Yes. If you have provided a briefing or interview to a national or regional newspaper , television
station or radio programme without support from a press officer you should keep a note of what
you have said and immediately make the Media Desk or a press officer aware so that any followup inquiries from other journalists can be dealt with . If you have spoken to a local media journalist
make your local press liaison officer aware .
A number of MPS senior officers and staff lead on ACPO policy and business areas and are called
on to do media interviews or briefings in this capacity . These arrangements and interviews are
managed by the ACPO press office , not the MPS press office , although there is often liaison
between the two .
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7. Do I need to record or report that I 've had contact with the media?
A Media Contact Register for Management Board members and ACPO rank officers is now
collated and published monthly on the MPS website . Officers and staff below ACPO rank and staff
equivalent level should keep their own note of their contact with a journalist and what information
they have provided which can be audited by line managers on an ad hoc basis .
If you have a relationship with a specific journalist on a personal basis outside of your role as a
police officer or member of police staff (such as a relative or close friend) then details should be
logged with your line manager and kept within your OCU or Branch . This is an interim position and
a corporate process for declaring relationships is being progressed and will be communicated to
officers and staff when finalised .
Details of what information should be entered on the Media Contact Register can be found in the
Media Contact Instructions .
8. Am I allowed to have a drink with a journalist ?
Hospitality taken from journalists should be the ex ception not the rule . All MPS officers and staff
should start from the presumption that meetings with journalists should not be accompanied by
alcohol .
It is recognised that there are some circumstances such as a formal event or professional
gathering where this presumption would not apply , but you are expected to act professionally at all
times and drink in moderation .
When considering accepting hospitality from a journalist it is worth bearing in mind the criteria cited
in the guidance to The Bribe ry Act 2010 `that the recipient should not be given the impression that
they are under an obligation to confer any business advantage or that the recipient 's independence
will be affected . '
You should also consider the following points if you are offered hospitality by a journalist :
•
the motivation for the offer ,
•
the public perception of acceptance ,
•
the potential impact of acceptance on public confidence in the integrity of the MP S
•
and whether what at first sight appears to be an innocent offer could later become the
subject of adverse comment or criticism .
Where hospitality is received from the media , officers and police staff must ensure that the Gifts
and Hospitality Policy is adhered to . If in doubt refer to the policy and discuss it with your line
manager .
9. What are the rules about talking to the media if you are on a sensitive or high -profile
invest igation or operation?
In certain cases such as serious crimes , security , terrorism and major incidents , plans and
procedures already exist or strategies will be developed to deal with the media interest . This may
include the appointment of a dedicated police spokesperson . In such situations it is unlikely that
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the GOLD Commander or SIO would want other police officers or members of police staff to
divulge information that goes beyond the agreed media strategy without his or her express
permission .
In such investigations or operations the media handling strategy must be made clear to offi cers
and staff from the outset through team briefings and recording entries in decision logs . This should
include clearly identifying to all officers and staff who is authorised to speak to journalists and the
DMC press officer dealing if one has been appointed . This should also refer to the use of digital &
social media by participating staff to ensure information put in the public domain about the
operation or investigation is only done by those authorised to do so . (See later Q&A what are the
rules about using social media? )
10. What does `off-the -record ' mean ?
The term off-the-record means different things to different people and should be avoided .
The default position for most information released by the MPS for publication or broadcast is that it
can be attributed to a named person or an MPS spokesperson . Information released in these
circumstances is therefore `reportable' and `on-the-record '.
However there are occasions when it is important for us to provide context , guidance or
explanation by releasing information which is not meant for publication or broadcast .
Recommendation 75 of the Leveson Inqui ry report allows for this . This policy does not therefore
change the established practi ce of issuing guidance to journalists that is not for publication or
broadcast but it does formalise the terms that we should use .
A `non-reportable' briefing or release of information - this is information provided to journalists on
the basis that it is for guidance and not for publication or broadcast . This enables police to have a
dialogue with journalists about, for instance , serious or sensitive policing issues without generating
publicity about them . A brief note of the subject or subjects discussed should be kept by the officer
or a press officer .
An `embargoed ' briefing or release of information - this information is not to be published or
broadcast until after a specified event or time . This is often used when journalists are briefed in
advance of pro-active crime operations .
If you have information that you think should be issued to the media but on a non-reportable or
embargoed basis you are advised to discuss the case or issue with a DMC member who can
advise on the best way forward . It is important to agree the basis on which information is being
given to a journalist in advance of providing it .
11 . What is contempt of court? Does it affect what you can tell a reporter ?
If criminal proceedings are active (once someone has been arrested or a warrant or summons
issued for their arrest or they have been charged orally) then nothing should be reported that could
potentially prejudice legal proceedings . Do not, therefore , provide any statements to the media
post charge (other than basic charge and court details) unless there is specific operational
requirement and it has been discussed and agreed with a DMC press officer who may also
recommend seeking CPS advice .
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If you become aware that a media organisation is planning to print or broadcast material that could
compromise or prejudice an operation , investigation or subsequent prosecution , you should alert
the DMC as soon as a possible .
12. Does the MPS name people who have been arrested but not charged ?
The current MPS policy is that people who have been arrested are not named by police
unless there are exceptional circumstances *. This is in line with Lord Justice Leveson 's
advice that save in exceptional circumstances the names or identifying details of those who
are arrested or suspected of a crime should not be released .
Journalists often ask police press officers to confirm the names of those arrested , probably
because of the legal protection it can afford . Even when the media correctly identify
someone as having been arrested that person can sue for libel if they are not subsequently
charged . A defence for this is `qualified privilege ' which can be achieved by the police or
CPS confirming the name .
If we are proactively informing the media that a person has been arrested our general policy
is to release details regarding gender , age , where they live (i .e. county or London borough),
where they are being held in custody (e .g. `a north London police station '), the nature , date
and general location of the alleged offence , the date of arrest and any subsequent bail to
return date /release with no further action .
In circumstances where the MPS is reactively answering questions from the media about a
particular arrest, it was previously our practi ce that when a journalist put the correct name of an
arrested person to us we would not confirm it but would confirm that , for example , `a 50-year-old
man had been arrested ' . It has been argued that this could be interpreted as confirming the name
so the phrase `we neither confirm nor deny the arrested person 's identity ' should be used in
response to a journalist pu tting a correct or incorrect name to us and no additional guidance should
be given . Whilst this means that we do not warn reporters when the name they have is incorrect , it
avoids lists of names being put forward until the journalist falls upon the correct name , or the
conclusion being drawn that if we have NOT given guidance that the name put to us is incorrect , it
must therefore be right.
If the name put to us is of someone who has been charged with an offence but the journalist was
unaware of this then the usual charge details should be provided .
As with general media inquiries about whether police have attended a particular incident , a
journalist wishing us to pursue an inqui ry about whether an arrest has been made (irrespective of
whether they are aware of the person ' s identity) will need to supply the press office with sufficient
detail to be able to trace the arrest or interview under caution through MPS IT systems .
In all cases , the reporter will need to correctly identify the nature of the offen ce - e .g. sexual
offence , violence , fraud . If the reporter does not know the nature of the offence , the press office will
not pursue their query further , regardless of whether they have the correct date and location .
In addition , the reporter will need to supply a location and date . One of these must be specific and
accurate ; the other may be a more general indication .
For date , `specific' is the correct day and `general' is deemed to be a date within seven days .
For location , the correct street is `specific' and the correct borough is `general'.
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It should always be made clear that we are not confirming identity, and it should also be made
clear that we will not guide if a name is wrong .
In summa ry, in order to be given details of an arrest , the reporter must correctly state the offence
and confirm either a specific date and general location or a specific location and a general date .
* Exceptions to the policy of not naming those arrested would include circumstances such as police
having made a public warning about a wanted individual who is then arrested . It could also be in
the public interest to publish the name of someone who could be responsible for many other
crimes, in order to encourage other victims to come forward . The naming of an arrested person
before they are charged should be authorised by an ACPO rank officer and the reasons for doing
so logged with the Media Desk . The authorising officer should also give consideration to consulting
with the CPS about the release of the name . The MPS continues to keep the circumstances under
which it may be appropriate to name someone arrested under review and further guidance may be
issued in the future .
* Additionally, a DMC/DPS Media Guidance document has been compiled which gives detailed
guidance on what information should be released to the media regarding DPS investigations and
how discipline matters are handled . A copy of it can be found in the More Information page of this
toolkit . This document makes clear there are some circumstances in which we may name or
otherwise identify officers or staff involved in DPS investigations or discipline matters, in order to
maintain public confidence .
13. What details can be released when someone appears in court ?
The Magistrates Court Act 1980 and the Contempt of Court Act 1981 allow the publication of
straightforward facts which can be supplied by police . These details can be found in the ACPO
Communications Advisory Group (CAG) Guidance .
14.Can journalists be briefed before a trial or before the verdict is given ?
The MPS rarely provides briefings before trials but sometimes does once the ju ry has been sent
out to consider its verdict . It is particularly helpful in high-profile and serious or complex crime
cases so that journalists have an understanding and informed view of the case . The over-riding
principle when considering a briefing is that nothing should be done that could prejudice the ongoing proceedings . There should be no discussion with the media , for instance , of the relative
weight or value of elements of the prosecution case or comment on a defendant 's guilt or
innocence .
The MPS follows the ACPO CAG Guidance criteria to assess whether a briefing is justified , and
the process for doing it, but the decision to hold one rests with the DMC and the SIO , in
consultation with the CPS .
15. Are we allowed to give a particular news organisation `exclusive' stories?
Whilst it is not appropriate for preferential treatment to be given to one news organisation over
another, there are occasions where targeting the media is appropriate - such as a sto ry or
campaign based on geography , a particular audience or community the MPS wishes to reach or a
news organisation 's particular interest in a certain issue . Targeting in this way must be justifiable
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and officers should consult with the DMC before making arrangements with a particular media
organisation .
On occasions newspapers and broadcasters generate their own exclusives based on information
they have requested from police . These inquiries are often put in on a ` private ' basis by the
journalist concerned and unless the MPS was already planning to put the information being sought
into the public domain before publication or broadcast of the `exclusive ', it will not be proactively
provided to other media unless they specifically request it . When this happens it is DMC practice to
contact the journalist who made the original inqui ry to make them aware that another journalist has
also been given the information .
16. Are there specific rules about taking the media on police operations ?
Taking journalists on operations can give the public a good insight into policing and how we are
tackling crime . Officers planning such operations should consider the media as part of their overall
strategy.
The ultimate decision on whether or not to take them will rest with (B)OCU commanders but there
should be early consultation with the DMC . Consideration should be given to whether the operation
addresses matters which are in the public interest; whether it is likely to inform or reassure the
public and whether it will help prevent or detect crime .
Officers wishing to take journalists on an operation must be mindful that poli ce do not have the
right to allow media to enter private premises . To accompany police onto private property the
journalist must first obtain permission , which must be recorded , from the owner or controller of the
property . We cannot give or deny permission to members of the media to enter private premises
whether they are involved in police operations or not . This is a matter between the owner or
controller of the premises and the media .
If media are trespassing on private property the owner or controller of the premises may eject them
and ask for police assistance in preventing a breach of the peace while they do so .
The appropriate indemnity agreement can be found by clicking on "Media Indemnity Agreement"
on this page . Also on this page is an MPS Note to Media Representatives which also needs to be
completed , signed and retained when taking journalists on operations . In addition press officers
and journalists must be included in any health and safety risk assessment. If necessa ry a member
of the Safety and Health Risk Management Team (SHRMT) is available to provide advice . They
are also on call 24/7 via Central Communications Command .
17. Should police officers or staff contact the media if they suspect corruption or other
wrong-doing by colleagues ?
The MPS has robust reporting procedures in place to expose wrongdoing . In June 2012 we
published our revised Wrongdoing Standard Operating Procedure . It provides comprehensive
advice about the numerous ways wrongdoing can be reported including through the `The Right
Line ' confidential telephone helpline and `The Right Line online ' confidential Intranet link as well as
through a number of easily accessible internal and third -party organisations .
There are support mechanisms in place for those who report wrongdoing and we are currently
working with the IPCC , ACPO and HMIC to implement the Leveson Inqui ry recommendation for an
enhanced system for the protection of whistleblowers which includes an `ethics line ' to the IPCC for
officers .
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The MPS is responsible for a vast amount of confidential information and data and we have a legal
and moral duty to protect it. In the case of personal or sensitive personal data , the requirements of
the Data Protection Act 1998 (DPA) must be followed - see further Data Protection Act 199 8
Compliance Standard Operating Procedures .
A justification sometimes cited for the leaking of confidential information to journalists is that police
officers or staff are whistleblowing about wrongdoing in the organisation and it is therefore in the
public interest . Whilst there may be genuine instances of this , it is important that the leaking of
information for different motives - such as a personal grievance or for financial gain - is not
misrepresented as whistleblowing .
The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 came into force on 2 July 1999. The Act protects workers
that disclose information about malpractice at their workplace , or former workplace , provided
certain conditions are met . The conditions concern the nature of the information disclosed and the
person to whom it is disclosed . If these conditions are met , the Act protects the worker from
suffering detriment as a result of having made the disclosure . If the conditions are not met a
disclosure may constitute a breach of the worker 's duty of confidence to his employer .
The Government's Guide to Whistleblowing is published on the Internet which makes it clear that if
an employee can ' t tell their employer about the wrongdoing they suspect , they should contact a
`prescribed person or body ' . A worker can only tell the prescribed person or body if they think their
employer:
•
will cover it u p
•
would treat them unfairly if they complaine d
•
has not sorted it out and they have already told the m
The prescribed bodies for police in London are the Independent Police Complaints Commission
and the Criminal Cases Review Commission .
The advice given here will be considered by the Directorate of Professional Standards when
assessing potential misconduct relating to allegations of improper disclosure of information .
18. What is the policy on publicising internal investigations and discipline ma tters?
It is important for public confidence in policing that the MPS is open and accountable about
wrongdoing by officers and staff and has a clear and consistent approach in communicating
information about professional standards issues .
Potentially high profile internal investigation or discipline cases should be brought to the attention
of the DMC at the earliest opportunity. A media statement in consultation with the SIO from DPS
can then be drafted . The individual under investigation or facing discipline (and any victim) will be
provided with a copy of the media statement by DPS in as timely a fashion as possible and told
when it is likely to be released to the media .
No information should be disclosed that could prejudice the outcome of any proceedings or
comment made on an individual's guilt or innocence before the appropriate body has made its
decision . If needed, advice and support on how to deal with intrusive media attention as a result of
publicity surrounding a case will be provided to the individual under investigation by a press officer
nominated by the DMC 's Head of Media .
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A DMC/DPS Media Guidance document has been compiled which gives detailed guidance on what
information should be released to the media regarding DPS investigations and how discipline
matters are handled . A copy of it can be found in the More Information page of this toolkit .
19. Are there rules on what the MPS can tell the media about incidents being investigated
by the Independent Police Complaints Commission ?
A protocol between police forces and the IPCC for dealing with the media during IPCC managed
and independent investigations is under review . It covers inquiries such as death in police custody
or a police shooting . A copy of the protocol will be published here when it is agreed .
The police service and the IPCC have a shared responsibility for communication with the media
and the public in IPCC independent and managed investigations.
The DMC is responsib l e for coordinating a ll MPS media statements and requests for interviews
during IPCC independent and managed investigation . If you need he l p or advice in this particu lar
field please contact the DMC Media Desk on in the first instance . (This extension should
not be given to the media) .
A DMC/DPS Media Guidance document has been compiled which gives detailed guidance on what
information should be released to the media regarding DPS investigations and discipline matters
are handled . A copy of it can be found in the More Information page of this toolkit.
20. What do we tell the media about an officer or member of police staff taking the MPS to
an employment tr ibunal?
High profile employment tribunals (ETs) should be brought to the a ttention of the DMC at the
earliest opportunity . Press lines will be prepared by the MPS ET Unit for full hearings and hearings
for high profile cases and they must be approved by the DMC before being released to the media .
Although it is unusual for the MPS to comment on ETs until they have been heard , other than to
set out the nature of the claim , circumstances sometimes arise where the person bringing the ET
publicly criticises the MPS , then the Service may need to respond .
In such cases the individual bringing the action will be provided with a copy of the statement
released through their line manager or the MPS ET unit .
If required , advice and support on how to deal with intrusive media a ttention as a result of publicity
surrounding a case will be provided to the individual by a press officer assigned by the DMC Head
of Media .
The MPS must not disclose any information that could prejudice the outcome of any proceedings .
21 . What should I do if I ' m asked to comment on a policy ma tter?
Requests by journalists for information or comment on MPS-wide issues , policy matters or events
that could bring the Service into disrepute or dispute , should be referred immediately to the
relevant (B)OCU commander or department head who should liaise with the DMC about how best
to respond .
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22. Am I allowed to write articles giving my own views on policing issues?
Police officers and members of police staff may be approached to write articles on policing issues
for newspapers and magazines . In such cases advice should always be sought from the DMC and
authority obtained from the (B)OCU commander or Head of Branch . MPS personnel must not seek
to profit from their experiences of working in the Service and therefore should not ac cept payment
for anything they write or produce . Officers or staff who are asked to write an article should have a
firm understanding of the subject area they have been asked to comment on . Otherwise th e
request should be declined or passed on to a more appropriate officer or unit .
Individuals should not pass comment on MPS policy or practices and the content of any article
should not bring the Service into disrepute or divulge information which could compromise
operations, investigations , the judicial process or which breaches the Official Secrets or Data
Protection Acts .
23. Are police officers and staff allowed to write books ?
Serving poli ce officers or members of police staff who wish to write a book about their policing
experience must submit a business interest request to the (B)OCU commander and/or Head of
Branch and the DMC consulted . The Directorate of Professional Standards is currently reexamining the book-writing issue and updated guidance may be circulated in due course .
24. Am I allowed to go on a reality television programme ?
Taking part in reality TV shows or quiz programmes must be done as a private citizen , not a
representative of the MPS . Such appearances must not bring the Service into disrepute and whilst
mention can be made that you work for the police , you are not allowed to appear in uniform .
Consult with your line manager and the DMC in advan ce about the nature of the programme . If you
and colleagues want to take part as an MPS team you need to get the approval of your (B)OCU
commander (or Head of Branch) in consultation with the DMC , before agreeing to take part.
25. What are the rules about using social media ?
The rapid expansion of social media technologies presents the MPS with opportunities to engage
with a wide range of peop le in a way that is both accessib le and responsive . The MPS currently
uses Twitter; Facebook ; Tumb lr; Linkedin ; Youtube ; Cover It Live and F lickr .
All official MPS social media channels must be managed in l ine with existing guidance and training
provided by the DMC . This can be accessed here :
The persona l use of socia l media channe ls, including onl ine forums and b l ogs, by po l ice officers
and staff is governed by a series of guidelines and standard operating procedures . These can be
accessed here .
Further policy and guidance relating to the use of the Internet and social media is available on the
new corporate PolicyPages : "Use of MPS Information & ICT Systems Practitioner Toolkit"
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Social media provides great opportunities to share positive stories about the MPS direct with the
public . If you think you have a suitable sto ry, preferably with excellent photos as well , please email
DMC Mailbox - Your Good New s
26. What authority is needed for releasing photographs and CCTV footage to the media?
There are various levels of authority depending on the nature of the material such as whether it is a
wanted suspect, someone convicted of a criminal offence or CCTV footage . The guidelines can be
accessed here under `More Information'.
27. How should I deal with reporters and photographers who turn up at the scene of an
incident ?
Always remember that journalists are allowed to report from the scene of incidents and where it is
necessary to put cordons in place it is good practice to provide them with a good vantage point .
Police have no power or moral responsibility to stop the filming or photographing of incidents or
police personnel - it is for journalists and their editors to control what is published or broadcast , not
the police .
There is a useful guide available on how to deal with reporters , photographers and film crews . It is
designed to help ensure that both police and the media can do their work without hindering each
other and includes details about the UK Press Card and media access to private property. It is also
available as an A5 colour leaflet from the DMC .
28. I work on a borough , does that mean I should speak to the borough communications
officer not the Media Desk about media issues ?
No, it depends what the issue is . If you are in doubt about who you should liaise with , contact the
24-hour Media Desk on 4
and seek advi ce.
However there are Borough Communications Officers based throughout the MPS as follows :
• North (covering Barnet, Brent, Camden , Ealing Harrow and Islington) ,
• South (covering Bexley , Bromley, Croydon , Greenwich , Lewisham , Lambeth and Southwark)
• East (covering Barking and Dagenham , Enfield , Hackney, Haringey , Havering , Newham,
Redbridge , Tower Hamlets and Waltham Forest) and
• West (covering Hillingdon , Hounslow , Kingston , Merton , Richmond , Sutton , Wandsworth
Kensington and Chelsea , Hammersmith and Fulham )
Further details can be found on the DMC Intranet site under Who's Who .
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29. Are there specific rules about giving inte rviews if you represent a staff association or
trade union ?
The media sometimes contact MPS representatives from the Police Federation , trade unions or
staff associations for comments about policing issues and activity . Whilst it is up to the individual
concerned (in consultation with their relevant staffing body) to decide whether or not to issue a
statement or give an interview , it must be made clear to the reporter that statements or comments
are given in the capacity as a Federation , union or staff association representative and not as a
representative of the MPS . Interviews on camera should not be undertaken in uniform and name
captions must make it clear which union or staff association the individual is representing .
A number of MPS senior officers and staff lead on ACPO policy and business areas and are called
on to do media interviews or briefings in this capacity . Whilst officers may undertake interviews in
uniform it should be made clear to reporters that they are representing ACPO .
30. What happens if inaccurate stories are printed or broadcast about the MPS?
It can be extremely damaging to the organisation or an individual when the media publish or
broadcast a sto ry that is inaccurate or misleading . Officers and staff involved in a case which
generates such coverage should liaise with the DMC about whether a response is called for. This
can take the form of a letter for publication or a request for another , more balanced , article to be
published .
Depending on the issue or incident, the relevant OCU commander or head of branch should
consult with a DMC press officer about the content of the rebu ttal letter . Individual officers or police
staff wishing to write their own letters for publication should seek advice from their OCU
commander about whether it is appropriate for them to do so , and if it is , they should make the
DMC aware .
Not all letters responding to inaccurate media stories are published so if the coverage has been
particularly damaging or generated strong feeling and the response to it ignored , ask the DMC
whether the rebuttal can be posted on the Intranet so that colleagues are aware that the issue has
been addressed.
31 . How does the MPS handle requests to take part in television documentaries and
dramas?
While many documentaries and dramas about policing provide opportunities to promote the work
and achievements of the Service - and sometimes generate income - they can be time-consuming
and often require considerable resources . There can also be occasions when one proposal may be
at odds with another one or with current MPS priorities.
All approaches from television documenta ry or drama programmes should be filtered through DMC
staff who , when necessa ry, will consult with the Intellectual Property team, the MPS Film Unit and
other relevant units and officers to decide whether to pursue the proposal . All filming within MPS
premises and the use of police property for documentaries and dramas must be approved by
Property Services , unless it is linked to operational activity . Documentary company requests
Where there is a potential for income generation , negotiations with the television production
company will be conducted through the Intellectual Property team .
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Officers and staff contacted by programme makers seeking to make a documenta ry involving the
MPS should advise them to complete and submit a documenta ry request form which can be
accessed through the MPS website .
The DMC does not assist in the making of dramas and staff contacted by drama makers should
pass on the inquirer's contact details to the Intellectual Property team by email :
5
32 . How does the MPS deal with film - makers who want to film in the street ?
The MPS Film Unit provides officers for approx 6 ,000 filming days a year . It is part of the Film
London Partnership which is supported by the MPS , Department for Culture, Media & Sport , the
Mayor of London and Film London .
The unit manages complex commercial filming across the MPS and works closely with the major
production companies as well as producers for film and TV commercials . Officers are provided
under Special Service Agreement (SSA) terms to assist where filming is taking place on location in
London and the filming requires police assistance or supervision .
Police presence may be requested for any filming where :
• There are likely to be public safety or serious traffic control issues .
• Crime enactments are viewable from a public place .
• The film shoot involves pseudo liveried emergency vehicles or actors in police or
contemporary milita ry uniform .
• Nudity or perceived nudity is viewable from a public place .
• Weapons are viewable /audible from a public place .
Film-makers who contact officers or staff about filming in the street should be directed to
www . met.police. uk/filmunit and to complete an online Notice to Film in London form which can be
found here . They should also be advised to contact the local council film officer . Details of council
film officers can be found on the 'Film London' website http : //filmlondon .orq . uk/.
33. Does the MPS provide technical advice to film - makers ?
The Intellectual Property team - working in conjunction with the MPS Film Unit - offers a
professional adviso ry service to the film industry.
All TV and film productions with a police element have a need for appropriate and up-to-date
information of various practices and procedures . The team can arrange technical interviews with
experienced officers and members of staff to assist productions in many different areas of policing .
A fixed fee of £70 an hour will be charged which goes to the officer ' s home unit. If a company
contacts an officer or member of police staff about arranging an interview, he or she should contact
the Intellectual Property team by email : 6
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34. Are external contractors allowed to use their involvement with the MPS to get publicity ?
The MPS works with many contractors some of whom may want to use their relationship with us
for promotional purposes . It is important that officers and staff working with contractors do not
agree to any publicity about the product or service without first consulting with the DMC and their
local or specialist communication advisor if there is one .
Any agreed publicity will be purely factual and avoid making any endorsements of the supplier 's or
contractor's product, abilities or quality of service . If there is any doubt as to whether the publicity is
appropriate , a checklist has been developed by the Directorate of Information which can be found
on this page by clicking on " Publicity Protocol ".
35. Who arranges MPS publicity and how do I get hold of materials such as posters to use
locally ?
The Publicity Branch of the DMC is the guardian of the MPS corporate brand identity and promotes
our policing priorities through a series of orchestrated advertising and publicity campaigns . They
work with contracted advertising , media planning and market research agencies to produ ce
publicity campaigns on issues such as gun crime and counter terrorism and MPS initiatives such
as Safer Neighbourhoods .
The Marketing toolkit contains details of how to order existing publicity material , the use of the
MPS logo , DMC policies , useful documents , templates and guidance to assist you .
We should all use existing publicity material wherever possible . However, if you have a budget
available and have been asked to create new material or place an advert , the publicity team can
advise you on how to use their contracted agencies , including a number of design and print
suppliers . Contact them at 71
36. Are their special rules about giving information to the media during election times ?
Crime and policing are an important part of the political agenda so special care needs to be taken
that the political neutrality of the MPS is not called into question in the run up to elections .
During elections (i . e . General , Mayoral , London Assembly and London Borough Councils) the MPS
issues specific protocols to assist staff in providing information to candidates , managing requests
for facilities and guidance on media management - by clicking here you will find the Pre-Election
Protocol for 2011-12 .
37 . How do I respond to a journalist who wants information under the Freedom of
Information Act ?
The Act provides a general right of access to all types of recorded information held by public
authorities including the MPS (subject to conditions and exemptions) .
If a reporter asks how to apply to the MPS for information under the Act, they should be advised to
forward their request to PublicAccessOffice a-met . police. uk . They can also visit the MPS website at
www . met.police.uk , then click 'F' on the A-Z list at the bottom of the page to find Freedom o f
Information - Publication Scheme . The MPS Publication Scheme has much information organised
by class that has already been released into the public domain and is therefore freely available
from the website .
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Eve ry effort should be made to release the information sought under the FoIA within the statuto ry
timeframe of 20 days . Due to the tight timeframe FoIA requests must always be dealt with
promptly . The DMC should be made aware of any information about a high-profile or potentially
newsworthy or contentious issue before it is released , so that a statement to deal with any follow
up media enquiries or an MPS comment on the matter can be drafted .
There will be occasions when a journalist's request can be dealt with as a legitimate media enqui ry
through the DMC rather that an FoIA request . If possible , this should be the preferred and
encouraged option .
For further information go to : Processes for Freedom of Information Act 2000 Compliance .
ENDS
This Policy and Toolkit apply to all MPS officers and poli ce staff and replace the ` Interim Guidance
for Relationships with the Media ' published in May 2012 and the MPS Media Relations Policy and
Media Relations Standard Operating Procedures Item 1 , Notices 23 / 08 , 4 June 2008 .
On practical aspects of police media relations the guidance issued to all forces by the College of
Policing is followed by the MP S
This MPS policy is being issued during a period of change and reorganisation so specific details
about the current structure of the DMC and line management of local , borough level , and specialist
unit communicators have been deliberately omitted .
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