NCJ Number
31422
Date Published
1975
Length
5 pages
Annotation
THIS TRAINING GUIDE OFFERS SUGGESTIONS FOR THE IMPROVEMENT OF POLICE-MEDIA RELATIONS, OUTLINES THE SITUATIONS IN WHICH POLICE MAY LEGITIMATELY WITHHOLD INFORMATION, AND DISCUSSES ISSUES OF PRETRIAL PUBLICITY.
Abstract
IT IS NOTED THAT MUCH OF THE POLICE-PRESS ANIMOSITY STEMS FROM MISCONCEPTIONS ON BOTH SIDES OF THE ATTITUDES AND ROLES OF THE OTHER. THE AUTHOR STATES THAT THE ACTUAL ROLES OF POLICE AND PRESS WITH RESPECT TO CRIME INFORMATION ARE ALMOST IDENTICAL. AS A GENERAL RULE, IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT POLICE DEPARTMENTS COOPERATE FULLY WITH THE PRESS, TRUSTING TO THE PROFESSIONAL JUDGMENT OF THE MEDIA TO CENSOR THEMSELVES. SPECIAL AGREEMENTS BETWEEN THE MEDIA AND POLICE MAY BE ARRANGED, HOWEVER. THE USE OF A PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER TO HANDLE NEWS INFORMATION IS DISCUSSED. THE CONSIDERATIONS WHICH MAY JUSTIFY TEMPORARILY WITHHOLDING INFORMATION ARE ALSO REVIEWED. GUIDELINES ARE OFFERED ON THE TYPES OF INFORMATION WHICH SHOULD AND SHOULD NOT BE RELEASED BOTH BEFORE AND AFTER ARREST. A DISCUSSION GUIDE AND QUESTIONS ON THE TRAINING MATERIAL ARE INCLUDED.