NCJ Number
87970
Date Published
1982
Length
6 pages
Annotation
Police relationships with journalists in England have become more open than in the past, largely due to policy changes in the 1970's by the Scotland Yard Commissioner. But this policy has also been accompanied by new traumas.
Abstract
Twenty years ago, most senior police officers risked their careers by even being seen talking with a reporter. Only a small exclusive club of crime reporters had any regular access to the police information, and even this was limited. Police remained secretive through the early 1970's, seeking to control the media by withholding all but the most formal information, such as nonsensitive items like promotions and anticar theft campaigns. Although attitudes have changed, police can still achieve a great deal of media control by regularly issuing selected news. Handing out information that police want publicized can, in turn, dull a reporter's inquiring mind. Moreover, the relationship can become a corrupt liaison. Examples of police-media cooperation are given.