Copies of Media Guidelines issued by the Association of Chief Police Officers are now available.

They have been drawn up by the Acpo Media Advisory Group which is chaired by Elizabeth Neville, chief constable of Wiltshire. The SoE and other media organisations have been consulted before their release to chief constables.

Acpo stresses that the notes are for the guidance of police forces only. It is a matter for chief constables to decide whether and how they should be implemented. Acpo recommends that police chiefs consult with local media and consider adapting the guidelines in the light of local circumstances.

Bob Satchwell, director of the SoE said: "While we still have some concerns about some parts of the guidelines we welcome their publication. Editors are encouraged to meet chief constables to discuss their media policies. The society is always available to offer advice before meetings."

CONTENTS:

GN1
Acpo media guidelines - introduction
ACPO MEDIA GUIDELINES

GN2
Individuals under police investigation
ACPO MEDIA GUIDELINES

GN3
Pre verdict media briefings in criminal cases
ACPO MEDIA GUIDELINES

GN4
Releasing details of old cases
ACPO MEDIA GUIDELINES

GN5
Information about sex offenders
ACPO MEDIA GUIDELINES

GN6
Deaths in police care or custody
ACPO MEDIA GUIDELINES

GN7
Naming of victims and witnesses of crime, road collisions and other incidents
ACPO MEDIA GUIDELINES

GN8
Photographs of named people
ACPO MEDIA GUIDELINES

GN9
Police held video footage
ACPO MEDIA GUIDELINES

GN10
Agreements with programme makers and of taking media on police operations
ACPO MEDIA GUIDELINES