Regional press call for improved access to police and information

Regional journalists are facing difficulties speaking to police officers directly, with queries often sent via press offices and police "willing to release information when it suits their own agenda", the Leveson inquiry was told today by regional newspaper editors.

In written evidence, editor of the South Wales Echo, Tim Gordon, said "press offices have value and are needed to co-ordinate briefings across the media sector" but that "they can be a barrier to information being released" and "slow to grant access".

"Provided that the press are not getting in the way of police officers doing their jobs, there should be access to officers," he added.

Asked specifically about the relationship between the media and South Wales Police Gordon said it is "straightforward and professional", but that concerns have been raised by journalists "that it can be difficult to get information quickly from the police".

"The police tend to be willing to release information when it suits their own agenda, for example to help campaigns, to seek witnesses, to celebrate a recent success; but the police can be terribly slow at releasing information or even confirming information, on incidents that are happening/ongoing.

"As such, I would characterise the relationship as neither wholly successful, nor unsuccessful. I would prefer it if my reporters were able to gain better access to officers directly involved in cases to ensure that any information gathered by reporters can be checked quickly and for accuracy. I understand from my reporters that on occasion they can speak with those officers who are directly involved in cases about those cases and my reporters feel that this type of access allows for them to fulfil their roles as reporters quickly."

Responding to the HMIC report 'Without Fear or Favour'' [PDF], which makes a number of recommendations about future relations between the press and police, Gordon said he was concerned a situation could be created "where officers become even more afraid to talk to journalists".

"Our business is all about talking to people and discovering things. If we close off avenues and create a code of practice which encourages no discussion, and one which closes down relationships between the press and the police even further, or puts in place a filter (ie press office) through which all enquiries must be made, then I fear the impact it will have on the press’ ability to do its job and the concomitant result that this could have on a democratic society."

Also giving evidence to the inquiry, editor of the Wolverhampton Express & Star Adrian Faber spoke about the impact of the introduction of press offices at West Midlands Police.

"This creates a tier of bureaucracy between the journalist and police officers. It regularly makes it difficult to get a clear picture and detailed information about an incident and can create delays in getting information," he said in his written statement to the inquiry.

"I think it is fair to say that in consequence the vast majority of crime and criminal activity, that does not end up in court, goes unreported.

"Within the restraints of the press office system, relations with individual officers are good, but inevitably with some room for improvement. Relations between the Express & Star and West Midlands Police can fluctuate. This can be down to the sort of stories we are covering.

"Sometimes more negative stories can damage relations for a period, whereas more positive stories can improve relations between the two organisations. The relationship also depends on the personalities involved, obviously some senior police officers are more anxious to use the media, while others are more reticent.

"Sometimes it can be frustrating to have to deal with the police agendas of 'reassurance of the public' and 'risk assessments'."

"The area of improvement we would most like to see is the release of more information about low level crimes such as burglaries and theft. These are important to our readers and their communities but would perhaps not be seen as an important priority for the police."

In further "constructive criticism", he called for improvements to be made with regard to the release of information about those killed in incidents such as road accidents.

"We fully appreciate the need to inform relatives before details are released, but sometimes the release of the names of the deceased can take several days, in which time the information has already appeared on social media as well as being known in the general community."

The issue of speed in light of new media communication platforms was also raised by Gordon, who said: "In the modern world when the internet and sociaI media are flooding the information highways it is crucial that a free press is an area that can be trusted by those seeking accurate, fair and trustworthy information".

Faber sought to "stress" that his statement should not be "perceived as a blanket criticism of the West Midlands Police press operation"

"I would hope that it is seen as constructive criticism of not just the police, but many public bodies in their dealings with the press. Many of my comments in this statement could just as easily be apply to local authorities and health authorities."

The chief constable of West Midlands Police Chris Sims and head of the force's press office, police officer Sally Seeley, also appeared before the inquiry today (Tuesday).

Seeley said the force's policy "directs officers to inform the press office of contact with journalists".

This is to "ensure they are the right person" and that they are "appropriately supported in that contact", she said.

"Staff are guided to talk within their role and remit. This is about supporting the force in understanding the information that has been shared and supporting staff in sharing that information."

She added that the issue with police officers being approached directly is whether or not they are the most informed on the topic out of the "thousands of officers" within the force.

Chief constable Chris Sims added that the policy plays a "confidence building" role in helping officers feel they can comment to the media, as well as "creating a record of what's going on".

Commenting on calls from publishers for greater speed in the delivery of information from police, Seeley said "clearly there are tensions".

"Officers are only on duty for a given amount of time. It may be the person they want to speak to isn't available as and when they're required. We do try and facilitate contact as quickly as possible."

She added that the force is "mindful" of the impact of social media which is "putting information into the public arena rapidly" and the pressure this causes, but stressed that the force has "a duty to ensure [the information] is accurate and correct … before we release it to the media."

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