On October 5, 2025, the United Kingdom marked a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to protect press freedom and the safety of journalists. The Department of Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced that every police force in the UK now has a dedicated journalist safety liaison officer (JSLO), a move hailed by media organizations, unions, and police leaders alike. This coordinated initiative aims to confront the persistent threats and abuse faced by journalists, both online and in the field, while reinforcing the vital role of a free press in a healthy democracy.
The creation of the JSLO role comes at a time when concerns about the safety of journalists have reached new heights, with reporters facing increasing hostility, intimidation, and even violence. According to the DCMS, all 43 police forces in England and Wales, as well as the British Transport Police and Counter Terror Policing, have now appointed JSLOs. These appointments join the pre-existing officers in Scotland and Northern Ireland, ensuring comprehensive coverage across the UK.
The JSLOs serve as a direct point of contact for journalists who encounter abuse or threats of violence. Their responsibilities extend beyond reactive measures; they also provide safety guidance in advance of high-risk reporting assignments, such as covering protests or demonstrations. The officers ensure that crimes against journalists are consistently recorded and addressed, offering a vital layer of accountability and support that many in the media industry have long called for.
This initiative forms a core part of the Government’s national action plan for the safety of journalists, which was first launched by the previous Conservative administration in October 2023. The plan represents a “strengthened partnership” between the media, police, and government, according to the DCMS. The goal is not only to safeguard individual reporters but to uphold the broader principle of press freedom—a cornerstone of democratic societies.
Media Minister Ian Murray underscored the urgency and importance of the new measures. “Too often, journalists are put in harm’s way while fulfilling their vital role of delivering accurate news to the public,” Murray stated, as reported by BBC. “It is only right that they feel supported and protected so they can focus on carrying out their jobs to the highest standard. By appointing journalist safety liaison officers in every police force, I hope reporters will feel reassured knowing they have a direct point of contact if issues arise.”
The move has garnered widespread praise from media organizations and advocacy groups. The Society of Editors described the appointment of JSLOs as “a vital step in ending impunity for crimes against journalists,” while Owen Meredith, chief executive of the News Media Association, called it a “very welcome initiative.” The National Union of Journalists (NUJ) went further, labeling the scheme a “crucial milestone.” NUJ Secretary-General Laura Davision emphasized its practical value: “No journalist should ever face threats or abuse as part of their role, and ensuring designated contacts to approach serves as a crucial milestone in providing practical, vital support to journalists when needed most.”
Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who co-chairs the national committee for the safety of journalists, brought a personal perspective to the discussion. “I know first-hand what it feels like to be on the receiving end of threats and intimidation. But I also know my experience is not unique—too many people who put themselves in the public eye to do their jobs face the same,” she said, as quoted by The Independent. “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.”
Deputy Chief Constable Sam de Reya, the National Police Chiefs Council’s (NPCC) media and communications lead, highlighted the police’s commitment to the initiative. “Policing is proud to support this work and we will continue to play our part in ensuring that journalists are protected and empowered to do their jobs without fear or intimidation,” de Reya told BBC News. The NPCC has worked closely with the government to ensure the successful rollout of JSLOs across all forces.
The need for such measures has been underscored by a series of high-profile incidents and troubling statistics. One of the most sobering reminders was the murder of Lyra McKee, a journalist shot dead while observing rioting in Derry in April 2019. Her death, widely reported by the BBC and other outlets, brought international attention to the dangers faced by reporters in the UK and beyond. In June 2025, Amnesty International released a report—dedicated in part to McKee—documenting 71 attacks or threats against journalists in Northern Ireland since 2019. The report revealed that dozens of journalists had received death and bomb threats, with some resorting to installing bullet-proof windows, reinforced doors, panic buttons, and CCTV cameras at home for protection.
Perhaps even more concerning, Amnesty’s findings indicated that many journalists had stopped reporting threats altogether, citing “time consuming processes and lack of action or positive outcome.” The introduction of a JSLO in every police force is intended to address these gaps, offering a streamlined and reliable route for journalists to report incidents and seek help.
While the UK’s new system has been widely welcomed, concerns about journalist safety are far from confined to British shores. According to the US-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CJP), cited by BBC News, 104 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide in 2024. The organization also reported that 375 journalists were imprisoned and 70 others were missing, highlighting the global scale of the problem.
The strengthened partnership between UK police, the government, and the media is seen as a proactive response to these challenges. The JSLOs are empowered not just to respond to incidents, but to offer practical guidance and support before journalists head into potentially dangerous situations. This preventive approach is particularly important as reporters increasingly cover protests, civil unrest, or other high-tension events where the risk of violence or harassment is elevated.
The Society of Editors, the News Media Association, and the NUJ have all expressed hope that the new system will help end the culture of impunity for crimes against journalists. By ensuring that every incident is properly recorded and addressed, the JSLOs are expected to provide both reassurance and real protection to those on the front lines of newsgathering.
As the initiative takes root across the UK, its success will be measured not just by the number of officers appointed, but by the tangible difference it makes in the lives and work of journalists. The hope, as articulated by Ian Murray and echoed by media professionals nationwide, is that reporters will finally be able to focus on their essential job—informing the public—without having to look over their shoulders.
The appointment of a journalist safety liaison officer in every UK police force stands as a testament to the country’s commitment to press freedom, accountability, and the protection of those who bear witness to the truth, often under the most trying circumstances.
