Chapter 39 - Media Relations
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Questions and Answers

What is the primary goal of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office policy regarding media relations?

  • To prioritize the media's access to crime scenes above all else.
  • To allow on-scene deputies to be fully responsible for managing the media during an incident.
  • To ensure the media has continuous, uninterrupted access to all incidents.
  • To facilitate open communication while safeguarding investigations and individuals' rights. (correct)

    • According to the policy, who is primarily responsible for managing media relations for the Bexar County Sheriff's Office?

  • The on-scene supervisors at all events.
  • The deputies at the crime scenes.
  • The Media Services unit. (correct)
  • Any member of the Sheriff's office present at the scene.

    • In what context is providing information to the media 'secondary' according to the policy?

  • When protecting crime scenes, investigations and those involved are more pressing. (correct)
  • When the media outlet is deemed unreliable.
  • When the information is not considered of high interest to the public.
  • When the incident occurs late at night.

    • What is a specific task that on-scene supervisors should perform with regard to media access according to the policy?

    <p>Identifying a designated area for media to set up.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the intended role of on-scene deputies during an incident involving the media?

    <p>To manage the incident while Media Services handles media relations.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary consideration when determining the location for media to gather information at a crime scene?

    <p>Balancing the media's need for access with the deputies' need to work without interruption.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    According to the guidelines, when should factual information be released to the media?

    <p>As soon as practical, after it has been authorized and listed.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the first step a supervisor should take when contacted after regular business hours, on weekends, or holidays to disseminate information to the media?

    <p>Contact the Public Safety Communications Unit, who will contact the on-call Public Information Officer (PIO).</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Under what circumstance might the media be given more access than the general public at an incident?

    <p>When it does not interfere with the investigation, compromise the scene, interfere with emergency services, or interfere with traffic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who is normally responsible for designating where a media briefing will be held?

    <p>Media Services Personnel.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual

    • Original Date: April 15, 2014
    • Effective Date: November 21, 2020
    • Chapter Number: Thirty-Nine
    • Subject: Media Services and Public Relations
    • References: None
    • Distribution: All Sheriff's Employees
    • Supersedes: April 15, 2014
    • Approved by: Javier Salazar, Sheriff Bexar County
    • Re-evaluation Date: November 2022
    • Pages: 5

    Policy 39.01 (Media Services and Public Relations)

    • Purpose: Establish an open and cooperative environment for the media and public to obtain accurate information on community matters without hindering investigations or infringing on citizen rights. Allows deputies to manage incidents while public information officers evaluate media access.
    • Procedure:
      • Timely and accurate information provision is crucial but secondary to ensuring investigations proceed without impediments.
      • Media Services manages media relations for the BCSO
      • Deputies handle on-scene incident management.
      • On-scene supervisors and Media Services work together to establish suitable media access guidelines.
    • Media Access to Incidents:
      • On-scene personnel offer courtesy to media representatives.
      • Media access must not compromise investigations, crime scenes, emergency services, or traffic.
      • Media access must be restricted from areas where evidence could be damaged, altered, or compromised
      • Media cannot be allowed access to secured crime scenes and areas where evidence could be compromised.
      • Appropriate media staging areas need to be identified.
      • Media, like the public, should have access to areas and roads near a crime scene
    • Release of Information:
      • Media Services or ranking supervisors release preliminary factual information (type, location, injuries, damages, descriptions of suspect(s) if it doesn't compromise the investigation).
      • Following warrants, relevant information (name, age, occupation of suspect, arrest time/date/location/method) can be released.
      • Sensitive information (names of deceased or seriously injured, victims of sexual offenses, suspects, witnesses, individuals under 17, details of statements, information with evidentiary value, specifics of death) are not released to the media.
    • General Media Release:
      • Employees encountering media requests must communicate with Media Services immediately.
      • Information about internal investigations is released by Media Services only.
      • Specific media requests must comply with Media Services guidelines or the appropriate supervisor. -Requests for sensitive information are handled by Media Services or the relevant supervisor. -Supervisors can inform Media Services of innovative community initiatives for media interest. -Employees who breach confidentiality can face disciplinary action, including termination.
    • Media Services Responsibilities:
      • Coordinating with media, issuing news releases, managing interviews, promoting positive narratives, and handling potentially negative situations.
    • Quality Control:
      • Media Services corrects factual errors in media reports.
      • Employees report concerns about unfair or biased media reporting to Media Services.

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    Related Documents

    Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual PDF - Media Services

    Description

    This quiz focuses on Chapter Thirty-Nine of the Bexar County Sheriff's Office Policy Manual, which covers Media Services and Public Relations. It outlines the procedures for maintaining a cooperative environment with the media while ensuring that investigations remain unobstructed. Test your understanding of these important policies.

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