MOSCOW, November 13 (RIA Novosti) — A Metropolitan Police database holding about 2,000 records related to the media only represents the number of times a search of the database found the words "journalists" and "photographers" included in incidents and events, a Metropolitan Police spokesperson told RIA Novosti Wednesday.
"The vast majority of records show that these words are used as part of a wider record to accurately describe an event, for example 'a group of photographers were also present at the demonstration,'" Metropolitan Police spokesperson Simon Fisher said.
Over 2,000 records from the police database feature the words "reporter," "journalist," "photojournalist," and "photographer." However this number should not be misinterpreted to mean 2,000 individuals were included in Met police records.
"It would be wrong to suggest that the National Domestic Extremism and Disorder Intelligence Unit [NDEDIU] database holds over 2,000 records specifically about journalists or photographers," Fisher added.
"Records are managed according to the Management of Police Information [MOPI] statutory code of practice, which provides a clear framework for the collation and retention of information for policing purposes," the spokesperson told RIA Novosti.
Fisher noted that the NDEDIU database is maintained in accordance with this code of practice and where appropriate in line with MOPI records are deleted when reviewed.
The records in question are held by the the National Domestic Extremism and Disorder Intelligence Unit, and information on the number of records was released to the public by the Met in accordance to the Freedom of Information Act.
The Metropolitan Police Service is responsible for law enforcement in most of London, excluding the City of London borough, which has its own police force. The Metropolitan Police also provides special protection services for the Royal Family, ministers and public officials.
