Managed to unite policeman and journalist (5)
I believe the answer is:
coped
'managed' is the definition.
('cope' can be a synonym of 'manage')
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for coped that I've seen before include "Managed successfully" , "as a priest in ceremony?" , "wearing vestment" , "Made the grade" , "Handled" .)