Police Issues Advisory for Media and Social Media Handlers on Covering Security Arrangements

Srinagar : District Police Baramulla has issued an advisory urging media persons, news portals, social media handlers, freelance journalists, and content creators to exercise caution while recording or publishing visuals of police and security personnel in the district.

In a handout to the police said that the advisory states that recording, publishing, or circulating videos and photographs of officers, security personnel, escorts, deployments, and official movements should be avoided if it reveals sensitive operational details.

Police have asked that content not disclose security details of officers and protectees, deployment patterns and strength, access control and evacuation procedures, vehicle formations and escort arrangements, communication equipment and command positions, close-up visuals of officers on sensitive duties, or any other visuals that may reveal operational tradecraft and security arrangements.

Publishing such material without permission could compromise security, expose personnel to risk, and provide hostile elements with information to analyse procedures and plan adverse action, the advisory said.

While media coverage of public events and official programmes is welcome, it must be done responsibly and without compromising operational security. Prior permission should be sought before recording police or security arrangements and officers on duty.

The district police warned that irresponsible publication or circulation of material prejudicial to security or public order may invite action under law.

The advisory was issued in the interest of security, officer safety, and public order, reads the statement.(GNS)