Public Information
General
- All department members are responsible to communicate with the public and media
- The Chief of Police is the official Department spokesperson; however, other members of the department may release appropriate information
Release of Information
- See Records
- Officers on the scene of an event may release general information
- Do not release names of victims or witnesses when it might endanger a person or without notification of relatives in case of motor vehicle collisions, a serious injury or death, etc.
- Do not release names of juveniles, sexual assault victims, or others (see Records)
- Do not release details that would hinder an investigation
- Public information includes:
- Identity and charge of arrested persons (except juveniles)
- Arresting and/or investigating officer(s)
- General circumstances of an event and procedures
- Suspect names may be released under circumstances such as public safety issues
Dealing with Media
- Do not feel pressured into providing information the media is not entitled -
- You are not obligated to answer every question
- I f confronted by the media and you need to attend to your duties, quickly explain that and keep walking – return to the person when practical. Don't talk to the media while people are bleeding in the background, do your job first
- Be honest - if you do not know an answer, say so and offer to try and find out if appropriate
- Do not use off-color language, sarcasm, etc.
- Always assume you are on the record, the camera is on, the microphone is on, etc. no matter what the reporter says
- Do not speculate - never predict the future
Material for Media
- Everyone should make suggestions and contribute information to the Chief about items of interest for the media
- The Chief is responsible for information for the City Newsletter