New guidance has been launched in a bid to improve relations between journalists and private security officers.

The guidance has been produced as part of a partnership between the National Union of Journalists and the International Professional Security Association.

It makes clear that journalists are allowed to film or photograph incidents occurring on private land from public property.

At the same time, it states that the owners of private property can forbid the taking of photographs even if there is public access to it.

The guidance also states that while journalists are under no obligation to tell security guards for whom they are working, a “friendly chat” explaining what they hope to get from a job can “open doors.”

And it makes clear that security officers are not allowed to seize equipment or deletae images or footage.

The booklet aims to help both parties better understand each other’s roles, offering advice on how employment structures and reporting lines work in each sector.

It also offers a guide on how to deal with each other when meeting at incidents that may be attended by journalists, as well as resolving disputes.

Security officers are urged to report any instances in which they believe their employer has instructed them to obstruct journalists to IPSA.

An introduction to the guidance reads: “This guidance aims to support journalists and private security officers to better understand each other’s roles and duties.

“We want a simple outcome: the facilitation of mutual respect and understanding when their work brings them into contact.

“This is the start of a journey that will help foster good relationships and best practice for two sectors considered as key workers.”

The guidance can be read in full here.