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Journalists across the UK now have a dedicated point of contact within every police force to help protect them from abuse, harassment and threats of violence.
The move is part of the government’s National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists, which aims to promote media freedom and ensure reporters can carry out their work without fear or intimidation. Every police force in England and Wales has now appointed a Journalist Safety Liaison Officer (JSLO), joining those already in place in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Officers have also been introduced within the British Transport Police and Counter Terrorism Policing, creating a UK-wide network of support.
The JSLOs will serve as single points of contact for journalists and media employers, offering practical guidance ahead of high-risk assignments – such as covering protests – and ensuring threats or crimes against journalists are properly recorded and investigated. The initiative comes amid growing concern about hostility towards reporters, both online and in the field. Journalists regularly face intimidation while covering protests, crime scenes, and other volatile environments, despite their central role in informing the public and countering misinformation.
Media Minister Ian Murray said the measures were designed to provide reassurance to reporters. “Too often, journalists are put in harm’s way while fulfilling their vital role of delivering accurate news to the public,” he said. “It is only right that they feel supported and protected so they can focus on carrying out their jobs to the highest standard.”
The development follows a year-long effort between the government and the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to strengthen protections for the press. Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who co-chairs the National Committee for the Safety of Journalists, emphasised the wider importance of protecting those who face intimidation in public roles. “My broader work on safeguarding has shown me how important it is to protect those who speak out, and that must include journalists. Their work underpins our democracy and they must be able to do it free from fear,” she said.
Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya, NPCC lead for media and communications, added: “Policing takes the safety of journalists extremely seriously, and this initiative demonstrates our commitment to protecting those who play a vital role in our democracy.”
The appointment of JSLOs also ties into the government’s plans for a Local Media Strategy, which seeks to support newsrooms struggling with stretched resources. Ministers hope the strategy will make it easier for journalists to cover issues that matter to local communities and pursue investigative work.
The list of JSLO contacts has been circulated by the NPCC and is available on request through the Society of Editors, the News Media Association, and the National Union of Journalists. Freelancers as well as newsroom staff can make use of the scheme.
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