Crime

Government appoints journalist safety officers across every UK police force

Published

1 month ago

October 5, 2025

Move aims to combat threats and abuse faced by reporters

EVERY police force in the UK now has a dedicated officer responsible for protecting the safety of journalists, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) has confirmed.

Known as Journalist Safety Liaison Officers (JSLOs), the new roles will provide reporters with a direct point of contact when facing threats, harassment, or violence, both online and in person.

The move is part of a strengthened partnership between the media, police and government, designed to tackle growing concerns over the intimidation and abuse of journalists.

Media Minister Ian Murray said: “Too often, journalists are put in harm’s way while fulfilling their vital role of delivering accurate news to the public. 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 government has worked with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to ensure all 43 forces in England and Wales, as well as the British Transport Police and Counter Terrorism Policing, now have dedicated JSLOs. Similar positions already existed in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

According to the DCMS, the officers will offer guidance ahead of high-risk reporting assignments, such as covering protests, and will ensure that crimes against journalists are recorded and investigated consistently.

The initiative forms part of the government’s National Action Plan for the Safety of Journalists, first launched to address increasing hostility towards reporters in the UK.

Safeguarding Minister Jess Phillips, who co-chairs the national committee for journalist safety, said: “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.

“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 NPCC’s media and communications lead, added: “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.”

Crime

Man arrested on suspicion of murder after woman’s body found in Cardigan boatyard

Published

6 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

Victim’s family informed as officers appeal for witnesses who were near the scene from Thursday night

POLICE have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a woman’s body at a boatyard in Cardigan.

Dyfed-Powys Police said officers were called to Netpool Boatyard at around 12:35pm on Saturday (Nov 15) after the body of a woman was found.

A 29-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

There has been an increased police presence in the town since Saturday afternoon, with officers cordoning off the Netpool slipway and nearby access roads. Late on Saturday night, a boat covered in black plastic sheeting was removed from the scene as part of the ongoing forensic investigation.

Detectives are appealing for information from anyone who may have been at, or seen activity around, the boatyard from 9:00pm on Thursday, November 13 onwards.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police via the website https://orlo.uk/olxMg, email [email protected], or call 101, quoting reference 144 of November 15. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Crime

Boat removed from Cardigan scene as police probe young woman’s death

Published

8 hours ago

November 16, 2025

Tom Sinclair

A BOAT covered in black plastic sheeting has been removed from the Netpool area of Cardigan as part of a major police investigation into the death of a young woman.

The vessel was taken away at around 11:30pm on Saturday (Nov 15) under police escort and is understood to form a key part of the ongoing forensic inquiry. Officers had cordoned off the slipway near the River Teifi throughout the day, with multiple police vehicles and scenes-of-crime teams attending.

Emergency services were first called to the location around lunchtime on Saturday (Nov 15) following a 999 call, and a large police response was reported soon afterwards.

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries. His condition has not been confirmed, and Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet said whether any arrests have been made.

The woman, believed to be in her early twenties, has not yet been formally identified.

Police are expected to remain in the area while specialist officers continue their investigation.

The Herald has contacted Dyfed-Powys Police for an official update.

Crime

Police investigate death of young woman in Cardigan

Published

21 hours ago

November 15, 2025

Tom Sinclair

POLICE are investigating following the death of a young woman in Cardigan this afternoon (Nov 15).

Officers were called to the Netpool area, near the River Teifi, where the slipway was cordoned off and access restricted while investigations were carried out.

A man was taken to hospital with serious injuries, according to local sources.

Dyfed-Powys Police have not yet formally identified the woman, who is in he early twenties, or confirmed whether anyone has been arrested.

The Herald has contacted the force for an official statement