I would encourage officers who have dealt with cases or issues that would benefit from local media coverage to tell their OCU press liaison officer. I am keen to see more media being taken along on police operations. This will give a good insight into policing and how we are tackling crime. Officers planning such operations should always consider the media as part of their overall strategy. The ultimate decision will rest with OCU commanders, but it is important that the DPA are consulted and the appropriate guidelines followed.
Many people access our website, including the media who use it to obtain news and research material.
I would ask those OCUs who have their own sites to ensure that information is current and regularly updated. I want to see this new policy being re-enforced at every level. Basic training should touch on the general concept of the new policy, while intermediate and higher training should stress the advantages to be derived from the avoidance of unnecessary secrecy and the achievement of mutual trust between the Service and the media. Those officers whose role may involve giving broadcast media interviews should contact their local DPA press office about specific training courses. The card does not carry an automatic right of access to scenes of incident or authority to pass police lines.