Violence and the Media Andrew Trotter OBE QPM Deputy Chief Constable, British Transport Police Chair, ACPO Media Advisory Group

Violence and the Media No violence – no media interest Violence attracts media attention Exceptional violence - extensive media attention

Why does it matter? Media coverage results in Government attention / intervention Professional media relations expected Public confidence

Media Relations – a practical approach The past Lack of timely information Police Spokesman – SIO or Gold Commander Limited Access for the media on site No regard for the needs of the media Press were seen as an interference This resulted in Frustrated media Trespassing on sites Interviewing witnesses for information Suspicious and often tense relationship

Where we were? Reluctant Spokesperson Poor Image No Consistent Message No Record of Briefing Unauthorised Briefings

Media Demands 3 Ms Mayhem –what’s happened ? Mastermind –how could it happen ? –analysis/experts etc Manhunt –who was responsible ?

Ladbroke Grove 5 October 1999 Head-on collision Closing speed 130mph 31 people killed 400 injured

Ladbroke Grove Media RVP – Sainsbury's Car Park Separate Senior Officer dedicated to needs of the media Regular briefings Pooled media International media Fatality numbers

Notting Hill Carnival “Peaceful Carnival” August Murders 45 Stabbings 400 Serious Crimes

9/11 Attacks

Post 9/11 - Reviews National Media Emergency Forum London Resilience Communication Group –Quick time information –Mass media –Co-ordinate response with other agencies –9/11: ‘Implications for Communications’ accreditation and access information flow logistics

GOLD COMMUNICATION GROUP GOVERNMENT’S NEWS CO-ORDINATION CENTRE (NCC) COBRA POLICE GOLD GROUP Communication with Government Emergency Services/ Other Agencies

Putting the theory into practice

London Bombings Issues Media strategy Blue light response Scale of media interest The Giuliani effect Moving the story on

Lessons learned Preparation Relationships Transparency Pundits v Official Spokespeople Media Centres Websites 24 Hour Broadcasters Media Foreign Media Media GOLD Group

ACPO Guidance – Media Relationship at Major Incident Purpose Maintain confidence Support policing objectives Keep public informed Manage community impact General Principles Integration of communications staff Prioritise media relations Consider internal communication Prepare and test in advance Access to decision maker

Public confidence – de Menezes

Public confidence – Suffolk murders

Citizen journalists

The Future Websites and new media Advances in technology Citizen journalists Demand for information = more Pundits Treat all media the same? More scrutiny and legal challenge – need to get it right Impact from global media Greater partnership working with the media Need to listen to their concerns and changing needs Build on what already has been achieved

G20