Part 4 - Information and Expression: Rights, Sources, and Boundaries

Question 1

Which organisations issue guidelines on the taking of photos, filming, videoing, or recording in public places?

Answer 1

Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO), updated by College of Policing (CoP) and Met Police.

Question 2

What guidelines has the CoP stated regarding taking photos, filming, or recording? (four)

Answer 2

• the media has a duty to report from incidents
• police should not prevent filming/photography in public places
• police can only seize film/camera at the scene on grounds that it is suspected to contain evidence of crime, once photographer has left the scene can only seize images if have a court order
• police have no power to insist images be deleted

Question 3

When DO you need permission to film?

Answer 3

On private premises.

Question 4

What do the Editors’ Code and Ofcom Code both state about sources and what can this lead to?

Answer 4

Journalists have a moral obligation to protect confidential sources of information. Can lead to clashes with the courts.

Question 5

What does Section 10 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 state about sources? Name relevant cases.

Answer 5

Journalists should protect sources unless:

• it is necessary in the interests of justice (Bill Goodwin case)
• it is in the interest of national security (Guardian/Sarah Tisdall case)
• it is to prevent crime or disorder (Jeremy Warner case)

Question 6

How can journalists protect sources? (four)

Answer 6

• use pay-as-you-go mobiles without GPS tracking
• avoid leaving info on computers, laptops, or memory sticks which could be found or seized
• payments should be untraceable - cash
• encrypt material

Question 7

What ethical issue is covered in the Ofcom Code but not in the Editors’ Code? Explain.

Answer 7

Regulation of ‘door-stopping’. May be warranted.

Question 8

What is different about due impartiality on matters of political or industrial controversy and matters relating to current public’ in the Ofcom Code and the Editors’ Code?

Answer 8

Ofcom code states a requirement for due impartiality, Editors’ Code states that the Press are free to editorialise and campaign but must distinguish clearly between comment, conjecture, and fact.