“Ethical Issues Arising From The Relationship Between Police and Media“
A report recommending changes to the way London’s Metropolitan Police deal with the media has serious origins — the “phone hacking” scandal — and practical advice for police dealing with reporters. But it’s hard not to smile at a section urging officers to watch out for “ten tactics used by some in the media”:
- Alcohol. Late-night carousing, long sessions, yet another bottle of wine at lunch – these are all long-standing media tactics to get you to spill the beans. Avoid.
- Flirting. Often interlinked with alcohol. Designed to get you to drop your defences and say far more than you intended. Be careful.
- “I’ll make it worth your while.” If you think they mean money, say no and beat a hasty retreat. Make sure the press office and Department of Professional Standards know.
- “A source told me the name of the man you arrested. Can you confirm the spelling?” Say no. This could be a tactic to get you to confirm a name they have been given from elsewhere so they can print it. It may be a guess, or it could be a ruse.
- “I’ll be sacked if I miss the deadline in ten minutes. You’ve got to tell me.” Don’t be rushed. “If you don’t help me, I’m going to write a really knocking story.” They’ll probably knock you anyway. Don’t give in to threats.
- “Can you slip me a picture? The family said it’s OK?” Did they? Does it meet the rules for disclosing pictures? What does the press office say?
- You are on a highly sensitive investigation and the Senior Investigating Officer warned you of the dire consequences if you talked to the media, then wouldn’t it be very foolish of you to leak?
- As a constable or sergeant, or scenes of crime officer, you may know more than your inspector or superintendent, but if you don’t get permission to deal with the media you put yourself at risk.
- Don’t get sucked into the hurricane. Many of those who criticise police for ‘leaking to the media’ have never watched the media descend, like a tropical storm, on a town/village/crime scene, laying bare every possible fact. They WILL establish the name and life-story of the suspect. If you’ve agreed an approach to certain information with your press office, stick to it and record it. You can then defend yourself against leak allegations.
- It may help to assume you are being recorded when you talk to journalists.
