Further training will be arranged to strengthen ties between Police and the media, Commissioner Dick Lee says.

Mr Lee met representatives from the News Executives', Press Photographers' and Journalists' Associations, and the Federation of Journalists today to discuss disagreements between officers and the press outside the Central Government Offices on April 2.

He reiterated that Police fully respect press freedom and reporters' rights and responsibility to cover incidents of media interest, and said he is glad news gatherers accept the legal power and responsibility of the Police in carrying out operations.

"What we have discussed is aimed at future co-operation, in particular the collaboration between frontline officers and reporters," Mr Lee said.

Should it become necessary to set up an operation area at the scene of an incident, the frontline commander should consider the views of the media.

If there are differences in opinion, a channel for reaching an agreement will be established. The Police Public Relations Branch will work with news associations to work out the necessary procedures.

"We hope that through communication, possible conflicts can be reduced to a minimum," Mr Lee said.