AddThis SmartLayers

Editor speaks out over 'press censorship by emergency services'

A regional press editor has hit out at what he says is a growing problem of freedom of information and press censorship by the emergency services.

Nigel Pickover from the Evening Star in Ipswich has made a complaint to Norfolk Constabulary and Norfolk Police Authority after details of a fatal fire were not released for 11 hours on “moral grounds”.

He is also concerned at a decision by Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service not to release the full address details of where fires have occurred because of data protection issues – although after seeking guidance from the Information Commissioner’s Office this decision has been reversed.

Nigel said he was worried that, in the case of Norfolk Constabulary, someone was able to make a moral judgement on when to release information.

He said: “Every tragedy has a sadness.

“Eleven hours is light-years after a fire death. We should be telling people that there is an incident in their community, whether there is an arsonist on the loose or not, and every angle needs covering.”

He also said it was important that the full address details of fires were given out so that incidents in the public interest could be fully reported.

Nigel said: “There is a trend developing of what I call the ‘electric fence’ which sits between them and us.

“From a decade ago when you were able to talk to emergency services and bobbies on the beat, big brother has emerged and everything has to go through either voice banks or police press offices.”

Simon Morgan, head of media services at Norfolk Constabulary, said: “Norfolk Constabulary has a transparent and open policy with all reporters – indeed some of our local editors have been involved with formulating policy and are engaged fully with emergency planning meetings.

“However the decision made on the day was an operational one, taking into account the family’s wishes, and the Senior Investigating Officer’s duty to undertake a thorough and expeditious investigation.

“A press release had been prepared and indeed was issued to the press hours after the incident happened. Indeed a further press statement from the family together with a picture of the young boy was issued the following morning.

“It is unfortunate that both releases did not co-incide with the Evening Star’s deadlines and that other news outlets were able to report on the case before they did.

“However I am sure they must understand dealing with a death of a young boy and the devastated family has to come first.

“The Constabulary’s head of media and the SIO for this case have offered to meet Nigel Pickover to explain this to him but so far he has not taken us up on our offer.”

But Nigel hit back: “The Norfolk story was of fringe interest to us – it is nothing to do with being beaten to a story, simply that police cannot use ‘moral’ grounds for keeping a story back.

“Moreover the police cannot tell other emergency services what to release and what not to release. We have a direct quote from a Norfolk fire brigade controller saying she was told by police not to release the information.

“I haven’t met the police yet because my complaint is still active – I have referred it to Norfolk Police Authority.”