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Journalists at protests: reporting safely from demonstrations in the UK

Journalists may report, film and photograph protests from public places in the UK. Police guidance says officers have no power to stop the filming of incidents or police and cannot delete images without a court order. A visible press card helps officers and stewards recognise you as press, but it gives no right to cross cordons or stay where a lawful dispersal order applies.

Protests combine fast-moving situations, crowds and police operations. This page summarises the guidance, practical safety advice and what a press card can and cannot do for you on the day.

Apply for your press card Press card and the police

At a glance

Filming police: Allowed – no power to stop it (College of Policing)
Deleting images: Not without a court order
Section 58A arrests: Ordinarily unlawful against people photographing police at protests (Met)
Press card: Helps recognition; no special rights

Your rights when reporting a protest

The legal position in brief.

The College of Policing guidance on police and the media states that 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. The Metropolitan Police states that it would ordinarily be unlawful to use section 58A of the Terrorism Act 2000 to arrest people for photographing police officers in the course of normal policing activities, including protests. Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights, given effect by the Human Rights Act 1998, protects freedom of expression, including the freedom to receive and impart information, subject to lawful restrictions.

These rights do not depend on carrying a press card. They also have limits: you must comply with lawful police directions, cannot obstruct officers and may be subject to conditions imposed on a protest.

What a press card does at a protest

Recognition, not protection.

It can help

Officers and stewards see quickly that you are press
Press officers on site can direct you to a media point
Protesters understand why you are filming

It cannot

Exempt you from dispersal orders or conditions
Give access behind cordons
Guarantee your safety – sometimes a visible card attracts hostility

UK police guidance refers to the UK Press Card; see press card and the police.

Safety checklist for protest coverage

Prepare before you go.

Before

Check the route, police conditions and likely flashpoints
Tell your editor or a contact where you will be
Charge batteries, carry water and a basic first-aid kit
Carry your press card and a commission email

During

Keep an exit route in mind and avoid being kettled by staying at the edges
Back up images regularly
Stay calm and polite with officers and protesters
Leave if the situation becomes dangerous – no story is worth an injury

Ethical reporting at protests

Fairness and care for the people you show.

Report accurately and distinguish between peaceful participants and those involved in disorder. Think about the consequences of publishing faces, especially of children and vulnerable people. The IPSO Editors’ Code asks journalists to avoid intimidation and harassment and to take care with privacy. If you are asked to hand over footage, remember that journalistic material has special protection under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and get advice. Our guide journalism ethics in the UK covers the main codes.

Planning a protest assignment

Good preparation reduces risk and improves your coverage.

Research the event

Find out who is organising, the planned route, expected numbers, counter-protests and any conditions the police have announced. Local news and organisers’ channels are useful sources.

Agree a plan

Tell your editor or a trusted contact where you will be, how long you plan to stay and when you will check in. Agree what happens if you lose contact.

Pack light and smart

Charged phone and power bank, press card, water, a small first-aid kit, ear protection and clothing you can move in. Leave valuables and unnecessary data at home.

Know your exits

On arrival, note side streets, open spaces and safe places to retreat to. Stay at the edge of crowds where you can leave quickly.

If something goes wrong

If you are obstructed, injured or your equipment is taken, a calm record of events helps later.

Stay calm and comply with lawful directions; argue your case afterwards, not on the spot.
Note the time, place, what happened and the shoulder numbers of officers involved.
Ask witnesses for contact details and secure your own footage and that of others where possible.
Seek medical help for any injury and keep records.
Inform your editor and, if you are a member, your union.
In England and Wales, most complaints about police conduct are handled by the police force concerned; the Independent Office for Police Conduct oversees the complaints system.

Frequently asked questions

Can journalists film police at protests in the UK?

Yes. Police guidance says officers have no power to stop the filming or photographing of incidents or police personnel.

Can police take my camera at a protest?

According to the College of Policing, police have no power to seize equipment or delete images without a court order once an image has been recorded.

Do I need a press card to report a protest?

No. Anyone may report from public places. A press card helps officers and stewards recognise you as press.

Does a press card protect me from arrest?

No. Journalists must comply with lawful police directions like everyone else. A card shows your role but gives no immunity.

Should I wear my press card visibly?

Usually yes, as it helps officers identify you. In hostile situations, decide case by case whether visibility puts you at risk.

What should I do if police stop me from filming?

Stay calm, explain you are a journalist, refer to the guidance and note officers’ numbers. Complain afterwards if necessary.

Should I wear high-visibility clothing marked “PRESS”?

It can help police and stewards identify you, and many photographers do so. In some situations, however, being visibly identified as press can attract hostility. Assess the situation and decide for yourself; your safety comes first.

Can police stop me filming a protest?

Filming in public is generally lawful, and police guidance recognises that the media have a role at protests. Officers may still give lawful directions, for example to keep a cordon clear. Our page on press card and the police sets out the guidance in more detail.

Sources and last review

College of Policing – Police and the media (APP)
Metropolitan Police – photography advice
Terrorism Act 2000, section 58A
Human Rights Act 1998, Schedule 1, Article 10
Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984, section 13
IPSO – Editors’ Code of Practice
IOPC – A guide to the complaints process – role of police forces and the IOPC in complaints

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