Support services - Media policy (M01)

1. Summary of changes

1.1. This policy has been reviewed in June 2023 – no amendments to content made.

2. What this policy is about

2.1. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance to Press Office staff, media and the public about the aims, objectives and rules governing the release of information to the media and working with the media.

3. Statement of policy

3.1. This policy applies to all officers and staff who may come into contact with the media in relation to releasing information, film and photographs. The list below outlines the main roles that this policy will apply to, however, the list is not exhaustive.

• Press Office
• Senior Investigating Officers (SIOs)
• Case Officers (OICs)
• Neighbourhood teams
• Cold Case Review team
• Head of Major Crime

3.2. The purpose of this policy is to define the legislation and procedures to be followed in relation to releasing information to the media, including information on media appeals, release of photographs to the media, providing media access to Kent Police personnel, information or images, images used in publicity material, CCTV images, e-fits, media requests for information from non-recent serious crime cases and publicising sentencing outcomes.

3.3. This policy will ensure all media relations activity is carried out consistently and for a legitimate purpose in line with the Code of Ethics, adheres to national approved professional practice from the College of Policing, and demonstrates openness, integrity and legitimacy.

4. Implications of the policy (finance/staffing/training/other)

4.1 Equality Impact Assessment (EIA)

4.1.1. This policy has been assessed with regard to its relevance to its impact on equality. As a result of this assessment the policy has been graded as having a low potential impact.

5. Consultation

• Human Resources
• Finance
• IT Security
• Estates
• Health and Safety
• Legal
• Freedom of Information
• Equality and Diversity

6. Monitoring and review

6.1 This policy will be reviewed by the Head of Press Office every two years with the next review scheduled for June 2025.

7. Security

7.1. Kent Police has measures in place to protect the security of your data in accordance with our Information Management policy (Policy W1000 – Information Management).

8. Retention and disposal of records

8.1. Kent Police will hold data in accordance with our Records Review, Retention and Disposal policy (Policy W1012 – Records Review, Retention and Disposal).