New guidelines that will bring "common sense" to relationships between the police and media have been drawn up, Theresa May told the Leveson Inquiry.
The home secretary has received guidance from police chiefs that recommends officers should not accept gifts, gratuities or hospitality "except if it is of a trivial nature".
May said it was important officers did not put themselves in a position where "people could feel that they are being influenced by the receipt of such gifts".
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The Acpo (Association of Chief Police Officers) new guidance will bring a "clearer" set of rules for meetings between the police and journalists, she added.
"I think it's trying to apply common sense to the relationship the police should have with the media," she said.