§ Ms Beverley HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the current policy and practice of the police in providing the media with the names of victims of crimes. [17933]
§ Mr. Michael[holding answer 2 December 1997]: The Home Office is currently considering whether new central guidance to the police on relations with the media would be valuable. The Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) has been asked for its views. Currently, the ACPO Media Advisory Group advises chief officers that, wherever possible, they should consider the wishes of the victim in deciding whether to publicize a crime and the identity of the victim and respect the victim's wishes if 295W he or she does not wish his or her personal details to be given any publicity. Some police forces, as a matter of policy, do not release the names of victims. I understand that Greater Manchester Police issue guidance to all their officers to the effect that the names of victims should not be released to the press without their consent.