Protest Safety for Journalists: By Protest Type

The legal landscape: Public Order Act 2023 and PCSC Act 2022

The Public Order Act 2023 significantly expanded police powers at protests. New offences include locking-on to structures, obstructing major transport infrastructure, and causing serious disruption. Police gained new stop-and-search powers without suspicion in designated areas, and courts gained new powers to impose “serious disruption prevention orders” (SDPOs) that restrict individuals' attendance at protests.

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 preceded this and further expanded the grounds on which conditions can be imposed on both marches and static assemblies. Under the PCSC Act, senior officers can impose conditions based on “serious unease” among bystanders — a lower threshold than previously applied. Liberty UK challenged aspects of the Act in the courts, and the National Council for Civil Liberties has published detailed legal analysis. NUJ guidance emphasises the importance of clear identification as press and avoiding any action that could be construed as participation.

Journalists are not expressly exempted from either Act. In practice, police at most UK protests distinguish between accredited press and participants, but this is not guaranteed — particularly at events where tensions are high or where the police's policing approach is contested. See also: Journalist Safety at UK Protests.

Protest types: specific risks and guidance

De-escalation: if you are caught in disorder

Disorder can develop rapidly and unpredictably at protests. The NPCC (National Police Chiefs' Council) publishes guidance on media access at public order events, and most forces have a media liaison officer who can be contacted in advance for accreditation and liaison. If you find yourself inside a developing disorder situation:

• ›Move to the edge of the crowd immediately — do not remain in the centre where crowd crush risk is highest.
• ›Do not run unless you have a clear and safe exit route — running can trigger crowd panic or draw police attention.
• ›Hold your press card visibly and announce “press, press” clearly when moving through a crowd near police lines.
• ›If projectiles are being thrown, use a building, barrier, or vehicle for cover — do not expose yourself to clear a shot.
• ›If caught in a baton charge or mounted police action, move immediately to the side — never directly backwards into the crowd.
• ›Withdraw to a safe distance and continue coverage from there if the risk level escalates beyond what your risk assessment permitted.

Red flags at protests

• ⚠Being photographed or filmed by counter-protesters or far-right groups — this data may be used for later identification or targeting.
• ⚠A designated protest zone that hemmed in participants and press together — impossible to maintain observer distance.
• ⚠Police failing to acknowledge your press status or refusing to view your NUJ card — note the officer number and escalate.
• ⚠Crowd mood shifts suddenly — aggressive chanting, mask-wearing by a significant bloc, or property being thrown — reassess your position.
• ⚠Your phone or device is seized by police without Section 9 (PACE) procedure — do not consent to search of journalistic material.
• ⚠Being told by protest organisers to stop filming specific individuals — politely note the request, take legal advice; you are not obliged to comply.
• ⚠You lose sight of your buddy or colleague in a crowd — this should trigger your pre-agreed lost-contact protocol.

Common mistakes when covering protests

Even experienced journalists make avoidable errors at protests. The following are the most frequently reported mistakes drawn from NUJ incident reports and CPJ documentation.

• ›Arriving at a protest without telling your editor your exact location, intended route, and check-in schedule.
• ›Dressing in clothing associated with either faction at a politically charged event — neutrality of appearance is essential.
• ›Not carrying a physical copy of a media law solicitor's number — if your phone is seized, you lose your digital contacts.
• ›Standing between two opposing groups to get the shot — this is the highest-risk position at any clashing protest.
• ›Assuming that NUJ membership alone provides legal protection at the point of arrest — it provides access to legal support, not immunity.
• ›Not reviewing the specific conditions imposed by police before or during the protest — conditions imposed under Public Order Act 2023 apply to everyone in the designated area.
• ›Continuing to film after you have been formally warned by police under s.58A Terrorism Act without seeking immediate legal advice.

Universal protest safety checklist

• Carry your NUJ press card and wear a visible PRESS badge.
• Tell your editor exactly where you will be and establish a check-in schedule.
• Save the number of a media law solicitor in your phone before you leave.
• Carry a portable charger, water, a basic first aid kit, and a spare battery.
• Back up your device and enable remote wipe before departing.
• Review the relevant legislation (Public Order Act 2023, PCSC Act 2022) for the specific type of protest you are covering.
• Identify the police media liaison contact for the event before you arrive.
• Do not run unless absolutely necessary — it may be misread by police.
• If arrested, state you are a journalist, give your name and address, and request a solicitor before answering questions.

Frequently asked questions