NCJ Number
182770
Date Published
1999
Length
52 pages
Annotation
This report explores the central issues associated with effective media management in major crime investigations in Great Britain.
Abstract
Topics addressed include the development of appropriate media strategies, mechanisms for managing media interest, issues regarding the disclosure and acquisition of information, and wider concerns that pertain to relations with victims' families and communities. Although the report offers a number of recommendations regarding how police forces and senior investigating officers can improve media relations in the context of major crime investigations, it covers areas that will be relevant for media relations within crime investigation in general. Regarding the management of media interest in certain criminal investigations, one of the main problems is the demands placed on the resources of the investigative team. Senior investigating officers have estimated that they spend between 20 and 40 percent of their time dealing with the media in the first two days of an investigation. A major decision in media relations is whether or not to disclose a piece of information about the investigation. This decision should be influenced by a mature assessment of the likely consequences of the decision. In certain instances, providing more detailed information to the general public can increase the likelihood of generating additional valuable information. Among the recommendations are that police media liaison officers should be official members of management teams within highly publicized crime investigations, at least for the initial phase of the investigation. Also, training for investigating officers in designing effective media strategies should be considered. The media impact on victims' relatives should be monitored and addressed as part of ongoing family liaison procedures. Suggestions are offered for further research. 5 tables, 3 figures, and 30 references