Police reject rules changes that would have kept names of suspects secret

manchestereveningnews.co.uk:

Police chiefs say they will not be changing their advice regarding the naming of suspects charged with criminal offences. It comes after media bosses raised concerns that 'draconian' proposed changes to College of Policing's guidance could see the identities of people accused of a raft of serious crimes kept secret.

The College currently states that forces across England and Wales no longer “should” name those charged, however, the proposed changes would have instead advised that individuals charged with certain offences including indecent exposure, domestic violence or child sexual abuse instead “can be named." READ MORE: Andy Burnham slapped with hefty fine and six points for speeding on the M62 Crime reporters have warned the changes could usher in a “new chilling era of secret justice." However the College's CEO today (Friday) moved to allay those fears stating that the College's position would not be changing as people charged with a crime should have 'no reasonable expectation of privacy.' Chief Constable Andy Marsh, said: “An open, transparent, and professional working relationship between the police service and the media is essential to public trust. "Our guidance to police forces is clear that at the point an individual is charged with a crime, there should be no reasonable expectation of privacy.

We believe this is strongly in the public interest and compatible with data protection law.” The college said on Thursday that amendments to the guidance had been proposed by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to take account of evolving data protection law. "On Friday, the college held a meeting with the ICO to understand its position and outline the importance of transparency, open justice and the