Journalists and police - allies or opponents?

At a fundamental level, they are allies and even comrades-in-arms, because both  serve the society. And in practice they have a lot of claims to each other.

The police prevent journalists from choosing favorable camera angles at rallies and in emergency situations, do not comment in site, their replies to  information requests are too late and too brief, and they often explain it  by keeping official secrets.

Journalists distract police officers in extreme situations with annoying questions, enter into dangerous zones with their cameras and microphones, put themselves and others at risk, impinge upon the secrets of police operations, and constantly demand information. They prefer scoop - names, numbers, quick conclusions and plans, interviews and close-up photos ...

Is it possible to harmonize the interests and actions of both parties? Of course, it is and it should be done. The problem of the dissonance in the practical interaction of police officers and journalists is not specific for our country. It is an international problem. UNESCO has developed and published a number of respective special manuals, for example, “Freedom of Expression and Public Order. Improving the interaction of security forces and journalists. "

Last Saturday, the experts of the Adil Soz Foundation met with the senior police officers at the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Officially, it was  a lecture, but in fact, we had an interesting two-hours dialogue. We discussed how to combine the interests of the general public expressed by journalists, and the tasks of the police service, including ensuring the safety of journalists. We discussed  what kind of international and national experience in this case can be applied and how it can be done.

We left ... I'd like to say mutually satisfied with each other. But I would prefer not to say it for now. We would like to continue this cooperation. We will learn the other party's was satisfied by the meeting if there are more invitions from it.

And on emore thing - I was very impressed by the equipment of the lecture hall of the Academy of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the  listeners amenable to discipline. I wish journalists were somewhat of that kind  ...