Police Enquiries

Whilst there can be a legal obligation to answer questions properly asked by a court of law, there is no legal duty to provide information to the police for their inquiries, save in exceptional circumstances, for example if the matter relates to a breach of section 1 of the Official Secrets Act 1911 regarding national security (spying), or relates to certain terrorist offences. See 'Terrorism'. However, programme-makers must never be dishonest or attempt to mislead the police in their enquiries, as this may constitute an attempt to pervert the course of justice, which is a criminal offence. Any enquiry or approach from the police or authorities in relation to programme-making activities must be referred immediately to the commissioning editor and programme lawyer.