Continuity and change, convergence and divergence

Abstract

Twenty-first century policing operates in a highly mediated environment that places an onus to communicate effectively on police personnel throughout ranks and grades and across roles, but especially on the staff of police force `press offices'. This article uses survey-based research to map out the current policy and practice of police—media relations. Drawing on the research data, I argue that threads of continuity run through police—media relations including police forces' stated intentions to work with media organizations as a means of demonstrating accountability and informing various publics. At the same time a concern with controlling the flow and content of information, and with promoting favourable images of policing is evident. Following consideration of diverging and converging aspects of police—media relations I highlight current trends that suggest future policy and practice will follow a trajectory which utilizes the service of specialist civilian communicators. I conclude that this trajectory will not necessarily support democratically accountable policing and, finally, I outline a possible trajectory which could.