Police Introduce New Communications Standards to Enhance Trust and Combat Misinformation

Police forces across the UK are embracing a new communications framework designed to address the challenges of modern information sharing and restore public trust. The College of Policing has released updated national guidance that establishes clearer protocols for how law enforcement agencies should engage with both the public and accredited media organizations.

The revised authorised professional practice (APP) on media and communications comes at a critical time when police are navigating an increasingly complex information landscape. Social media content can now reach millions within minutes, while the spread of misinformation has the potential to significantly undermine investigations and erode community confidence in policing.

Law enforcement leaders have noted that traditional relationships with established media outlets have weakened in recent years, creating additional pressure on police forces to maintain transparency and accountability through new channels. This shift has necessitated a more comprehensive approach to public communications.

Under the new guidance, police forces are required to communicate more rapidly and transparently with the public. The APP introduces strengthened protocols regarding the release of suspect information, including clearer guidelines on when to disclose details such as nationality and ethnicity. It also provides frameworks for effective social media engagement and strategies to counter various forms of misleading information—whether misinformation, disinformation, or malinformation.

The guidance mandates faster engagement with accredited journalists and establishes minimum capability standards that all corporate communications teams within police forces must meet. Additionally, it emphasizes improved support systems for victims and families involved in high-profile cases. All forces are now required to implement major incident communications planning as a standard practice.

The APP targets several key stakeholders within the policing structure, including chief officers, senior investigating officers, gold commanders, communications professionals, and family liaison officers. Accredited journalists are also encouraged to use the guidance as a reference document to understand what information they can expect to receive and when.

The development process was notably collaborative, involving communications professionals and media representatives. A public consultation drew 265 responses from various stakeholders including police organizations, media outlets, and civil society groups. The guidance aligns with broader sector initiatives to enhance transparency, complementing the Crown Prosecution Service’s media protocol and a new national Media Charter developed in partnership with organizations like the Society of Editors.

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, who serves as CEO of the College of Policing, emphasized the urgency behind the updated guidance: “We now live in a world where mis- and disinformation can spread like wildfire, doing untold harm to communities and undermining public trust in the police if not countered quickly. It is therefore crucial that police provide prompt, trustworthy information, on a nationally consistent basis.”

He added that the guidance reflects extensive feedback from the public, journalists, and police professionals to ensure it addresses contemporary challenges and the evolving news landscape.

Dawn Alford, Chief Executive of the Society of Editors, welcomed the changes, noting: “We are pleased that the guidance now recognises the reality of today’s fast-paced media landscape as well as the challenges posed by mis- and disinformation online and the need for forces to challenge false narratives in a timely manner.” She expressed optimism about continued collaboration between media organizations and policing bodies.

According to the College of Policing, the updated APP represents part of a broader initiative to rebuild public trust through more ethical, professional, and transparent communication between police forces, media outlets, and the communities they serve.

The guidance comes at a time when police forces nationwide are facing increasing scrutiny over their handling of public information and media relations, making this standardized approach to communications particularly significant for the future of policing in the digital age.