A police force is to give journalists mugshots of all jailed convicts – prompting an editor to urge other forces to do the same.

Thames Valley Police is running a trial scheme whereby newsrooms will be provided with photographs of all defendants who are given any custodial sentence.

Previously, the force’s policy was to release mugshots only for those jailed for 18 months or longer.

The trial, which will be reviewed weekly, came into effect yesterday.

It has been welcomed by Daniel Jae Webb, editor of Wiltshire 999s, who has called for other forces to adopt a similar approach to mugshots.

Daniel, pictured, told HTFP: “For years, criminals have been able to hide behind a policy most police forces adopted a long time ago – the policy of only issuing a defendant’s custody photograph to the press when they are sentenced to over a year behind bars, sometimes more.

“The decision by Thames Valley Police to start providing the press with access to these photographs when a defendant is sentenced to any length of time in custody is no doubt welcomed by all journalists.

“I hope other forces make the same amendments to their press policy, which will only increase transparency in the criminal justice system.”

In an announcement to journalists, which has been seen by HTFP, Thames Valley Police senior media officer James Williams said: “The trial will be reviewed on a weekly basis, and once a decision is made on whether our policy will change permanently, we will let you know.

“Please be aware, on occasion we don’t have mugshots for defendants if they have been voluntarily interviewed or dealt with by way of a summons or postal requisition.

“Please note, all mugshots have to be approved by the officer in the case, so we may not be able to provide mugshots immediately.”

The force declined to comment further on the trial when approached by HTFP.