Publishing security visuals without permission may invite action: Police to journalists, content creators

Media and social media handlers cautioned against revealing operational details that could compromise officer safety

Baramulla: District police Baramulla on Wednesday issued an advisory cautioning media persons, social media handlers, and freelance journalists against recording or publishing visuals that could compromise security arrangements in the district, officials said.

In a statement, the police stated that the recording, publication, or circulation of videos and photographs of police personnel, security forces, official convoys, deployments, and protected movements should be strictly avoided if such content reveals sensitive operational details.

The advisory explicitly barred the disclosure of security protocols for officers and protectees, deployment strength and patterns, access control mechanisms, evacuation procedures, vehicle formations, escort arrangements, communication equipment, and command positions, officials added. Close-up visuals of personnel engaged in sensitive duties or any footage that could potentially expose operational tradecraft have also been prohibited.

Stressing upon the imperative of operational secrecy, the police cautioned that publishing such material without prior permission could compromise security, expose personnel to risk, and provide hostile elements with an opportunity to analyse procedures and plan adverse actions, they said.

While media coverage of public events and official programmes was welcome, it must be undertaken responsibly, and without undermining operational security, the advisory said. Prior permission, it added, must be sought before recording police or security arrangements and officers on duty.

The district police further warned that irresponsible publication or circulation of content prejudicial to security or public order may attract legal action under relevant provisions of law. The advisory, officials said, was issued in the interest of security, officer safety, and public order. (KNS)