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2024-08-12 10:01

Journalists must not be “used as investigative shortcuts” by police, NUJ says.

The The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) says it has written to the National Police Chiefs’ Council saying attempts by police forces to arm photographers and videographers to hand over footage is a violation of media freedom and puts their safety at risk.

Following reports that South Yorkshire Police have demanded a photographer hand over images taken during the Rotherham riot, threatening a court order if the request is not complied with, the NUJ has written to remind the National Police Chiefs’ Council that journalists will not are used as investigative shortcuts.

Michelle Stanistreet, NUJ General Secretary, said: “During a week of widespread public order disruption and violence, we have seen disturbing cases of reporters and photographers being subjected to egregious attempts to obstruct and thwart their legitimate journalistic work. We have put forward clear calls to employers and police to ensure media teams on site can work without disruption and in safety.

“Any attempt by police forces to arm photographers and videographers into handing over footage is both an infringement on media freedom and a strategy that will only serve to further erode the safety of journalists working in challenging circumstances to ensure the public is kept informed on matters of overriding public interest Journalists will not be used as investigative shortcuts by the police.

“As the NUJ’s representative on the UK Government’s National Committee for the Safety of Journalists, I have also made representations to the DCMS to clarify the union’s concerns. This committee – which includes stakeholders from across the industry, the police and prosecution services – has a collective responsibility to do its utmost to ensure that journalists can work safely and without interference. There is already clear rhetoric among the far-right about the motivations of media workers and threats against journalists. In that context, it is absolutely crucial that the rights and integrity of journalists and photographers are respected and not further undermined by the actions of the police.

“In addition to paying their duty of care to staff and freelancers when it comes to safety in the field, news agencies must also be mindful of that duty when it comes to editorial decisions about how their material is used.

“Any NUJ member who faces demands or threats from the police will be supported by the union and should contact us immediately for assistance.”

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