The Press and the PoliceAllan Jones QPM

London G20 2009

The Role of the Press

• The Press are considered as the voice of the ‘People’

• Freedom of Speech is enshrined in law

• Some countries have tried to impose restrictions.

• Not all views are the same

The Role of the Police

• Sir Robert Peel created the police to protect the people.

• The duties of the police are enshrined in law.

• The press are seen as a way of scrutinising the state.

Types of Media

• Newspapers• Television News• Radio News• Social Networks• Facebook• Youtube• Twitter

Getting it Wrong

• Pictures taken at Inapproprite times.

Getting it Wrong

Getting it Wrong

Getting it Wrong

Getting it Wrong

Getting it Wrong

• Pictures taken at Inapproprite times.

• Recording words we should not have said

• Ferenc Gyurcsany• Video footage that puts

police in a bad light

Los Angeles 1992

LA Riots 29 April 1992

• Five police officers tried and aquitted

• 6 days of rioting• $1 Billion worth of

damage caused• Thousands of people

injured• 53 people killed

Getting it Right

• Work with the press.• Only restrict rights

when in the interests of safety or justice

• If police get it wromg then accept it.

• Talk to each other so that we know what is going on.

Belfast 2005

• Following the refusal of an Orange parade rioting broke out

• Police Accused of ‘Heavy Handed’ Tactics

• Orange order deny that their members involved in violence

Getting it Right

Political Figures

Political Figures

The Royal Wedding 2011

• 2 Billion People watched the event

• 8000 journalists in London for the day

• CNN had 50 staff on duty

• 5000 police officers• 1 million people along

the route

Getting it Right

The Royal Wedding 2011

• Creation of secure areas for the press

• Special passes for the day

• Security clearance for all press

• Understanding the needs of the press

Remember

• The press are there to represent everyone’s view not just yours

• They can assist the police to catch criminals

• The police can restrict rights but only if absolutely necessary to protect life or uphold the law.

• Everyone is a potential journalist