Police guidelines go national

ACPO HAS adopted the Met's media guidelines. Those seven simple words conclude eight months of chasing by NUJ Freelance Organiser John Toner.

After a meeting in January, ACPO (the Association of Chief Police Officers)  quickly  agreed to adopt the complete Metropolitan Police guidelines on dealing with journalists (see  www.londonfreelance.org/photo) John  said: "After so many months of chasing, I am amazed the decision was so painless. I was advised to expect months of consultation before any conclusion was reached. I'm delighted they were able to decide so quickly".

The Met guidelines have been in operation for just over a year, following  their adoption  by the Staffordshire and Nottinghamshire forces. Problems still remain, of course. But the hope is that over time officers on the ground will come to abide by  the guidelines.