Police warned about ‘flirting’ with press

Police officers have been ordered to avoid “flirting” with and accepting alcohol from journalists.

Elizabeth Filkin, the former parliamentary commissioner for standards, warned of the “fraught issue” of drinking with reporters as she outlined a new framework for English and Welsh officers coming into contact with journalists.

In her report, she urged officers to “watch out” for “late-night carousing, long sessions, yet another bottle of wine at lunch – these are all long-standing media tactics to get you to spill the beans. Avoid”.

Although the report does not apply to Scottish police, it could yet be adopted.

A spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers in Scotland said: “We will consider its recommendations and assess if there are implications for police policy and procedures in Scotland.”