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Press card and the police in the UK: what officers can and cannot do

UK police guidance refers to the UK Press Card issued through the UK Press Card Authority: officers may ask to see a valid press card before giving information or letting media into a reserved area. The same guidance says police have no power to stop the filming or photographing of incidents or police personnel, and no power to seize equipment or delete images without a court order.

Your right to report from public places does not depend on any press card. What a card does is help officers recognise you as press quickly. This page explains the College of Policing guidance, how it applies to holders of the UK Press Card and of other cards such as ours, and how to behave at incidents.

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At a glance

Guidance: College of Policing APP “Police and the media”, updated 23 Feb 2026
Recognised card: UK Press Card (UKPCA), verifiable via hotline 01430 456543
Alternative: Letter from an editor at an IPSO- or Ofcom-regulated outlet
Filming: Police have no power to stop filming of incidents
Cordons: No media access unless a media facility is set up

What the police guidance says about press cards

The College of Policing’s Authorised Professional Practice (APP) is the national guidance for police forces in England and Wales.

The APP on police and the media applies to accredited members of the media who hold a valid press card issued by the UK Press Card Authority. Police officers and communications officers may ask to see such a card before they provide information or material, or before allowing media into an area reserved for the media. Any UKPCA card can be verified through the UKPCA hotline. Where a card is not available, the guidance says a letter from the editor of an organisation covered by IPSO or Ofcom can be provided instead.

In other words: the UK Press Card is the card the guidance is built around. Holders of other cards – including the FJA press card – are not covered by that part of the guidance, and officers are not obliged to treat them like UK Press Card holders. They can still recognise you as press, and the general rules on filming and photography apply to everyone.

Rights that do not depend on any card

These statements in police guidance protect everyone who records in public.

Filming and photography

According to the APP, police have no power to stop the filming or photographing of incidents or police personnel. The Metropolitan Police adds that members of the public and the media do not need a permit to film or photograph in public places.

Equipment and images

Once an image has been recorded, the APP says police have no power to seize equipment or to delete or confiscate images or footage without a court order. Under a terrorism stop and search, officers may view images but, according to the Met, may not delete them.

Cordons

Where police have designated a cordoned area, the media have no access unless a media facility has been set up within the cordon. No press card – not even the UK Press Card – gives a right to cross a cordon.

Journalistic material

The Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 gives journalistic material special protection: police generally need a court order to obtain it. If police ask for your footage, ask for the legal basis in writing and seek advice.

How to behave at incidents

Professional conduct is your best protection.

Identify yourself calmly and show your press card when asked.

Keep a safe distance and do not obstruct emergency services.

Follow lawful directions, ask politely for the media point or press officer.

Note names and numbers if you believe you are being treated unlawfully; complain afterwards.

Respect victims and relatives: the IPSO Editors’ Code asks journalists to approach people in grief or shock with sympathy and discretion. Do not publish information that could identify suspects or victims where the law restricts it, and check contempt-of-court risks once someone has been arrested or charged.

For FJA card holders: realistic expectations

Our card is a journalistic ID, not a police-recognised UK Press Card.

What helps

A visible card shows officers you are working as press
The QR code lets a press officer verify you
A commission email shows who you are reporting for

What to remember

Officers are not obliged to grant media-area access to non-UKPCA cards
Never present the card as an official or police document
If you regularly cover police incidents as a professional, consider the UK Press Card

Scotland and Northern Ireland

Different police services, similar principles.

The College of Policing APP is guidance for forces in England and Wales. Police Scotland and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have their own media policies, and the UKPCA states that the UK Press Card is recognised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council on behalf of UK forces. Check local guidance before you work in Scotland or Northern Ireland, and remember that the law on contempt, privacy and public order can differ between the UK’s jurisdictions.

Frequently asked questions

Do UK police recognise press cards?

UK police guidance refers to the UK Press Card issued through the UK Press Card Authority. Other cards are not part of that guidance, although officers may still accept them as identification.

Can police stop me filming?

According to College of Policing guidance, police have no power to stop the filming or photographing of incidents or police personnel.

Can police delete my photos?

The guidance states that once an image has been recorded, police have no power to seize equipment or delete images or footage without a court order.

Can I cross a police cordon with a press card?

No. Media have no access to a cordoned area unless a media facility has been set up within it, and officers decide.

What if I do not have a UK Press Card?

The guidance allows a letter from the editor of an IPSO- or Ofcom-regulated outlet as an alternative. Our card helps identify you but is not covered by that provision.

How can police verify a UK Press Card?

Through the UKPCA hotline, 01430 456543, according to the College of Policing guidance.

Can police demand my footage?

Journalistic material has special protection under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. Police generally need a court order; seek advice if asked.

Is it illegal to pretend to be press?

There is no specific offence of impersonating a journalist, but using any false identity dishonestly to gain an advantage can be fraud. See our page on fake press cards.

Sources and last review

Last reviewed: October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice.