Media Access to Police Investigations

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Questions and Answers

What must occur before media outlets can access areas beyond a secured crime scene?

Verification of media credentials by the public

Approval from the ranking investigating sworn member (correct)

A designated media access pass must be issued

Confirmation from the media unit

What responsibility does the supervisor or commander on scene have regarding media access?

Ensuring proper distance from the crime scene with crime scene tape (correct)

Establishing the media assembly point

Handling inquiries made by the media outlets

Directing media outlets to nearby police facilities

What is required for media outlets to access restricted areas within police facilities?

A special access badge issued by the police

Their own licensed security detail

Continuous escort by a Department member (correct)

Pre-approval from the media unit head

In case of an incident, who determines the access areas for media outlets?

The ranking sworn member at the scene Signup and view all the answers

What action should be taken when mobile media units arrive at a police perimeter?

They will be directed to the media assembly point Signup and view all the answers

Which statement about the verification of media outlets is true?

Their media credentials can be verified upon request Signup and view all the answers

Where are media outlets permitted when present at a secured crime scene?

Adjacent to barriers or areas open to the public Signup and view all the answers

What is the directive regarding media inquiries about internal investigations?

Referred to the Media Unit Signup and view all the answers

What type of information may be released if a suspect has not been apprehended?

Information necessary to aid in apprehension Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT permissible to release when dealing with homicide-related cases?

Details about the victim's past Signup and view all the answers

When can a suspect be identified by name according to Missouri Sunshine Law?

In cases where a municipal ordinance violation has been issued Signup and view all the answers

Which piece of information is always required to refer to juveniles?

As juveniles only Signup and view all the answers

What is the Media Unit's role regarding Department records requested by media outlets?

To follow Missouri Sunshine Law and current policies Signup and view all the answers

What information can be provided to media from members at the scene of an incident?

Type of call received and time dispatched Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following factors relate to providing information on a suspect or incident?

If information does not hinder the investigation Signup and view all the answers

What is required before releasing information in non-homicide cases?

Consultation with the investigating supervisor Signup and view all the answers

Who is allowed to grant media access to areas labeled 'Law Enforcement Personnel Only'?

The Media Unit Commander or Division Commander Signup and view all the answers

What must occur before releasing the identity of any deceased victim?

Relatives must be notified Signup and view all the answers

What is the responsibility of the escorting member regarding non-public Department information?

To secure the information and ensure it is not accessible to media Signup and view all the answers

Which type of personal opinion about a suspect is allowed to be released?

None of the above Signup and view all the answers

What should be done if a member is uncomfortable addressing media outlets?

They should refer media outlets to a supervisor or commander Signup and view all the answers

In the case of a fire scene, who is responsible for releasing information to the media before it is a crime scene?

The Fire Department Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition can the identity of investigating officers be released?

At the discretion of their commander if it does not compromise undercover work Signup and view all the answers

What should a member do with information shared with media outlets?

Forward it to the Media Unit afterward Signup and view all the answers

Which information about suspects will not be released?

Detailed descriptions of suspects Signup and view all the answers

What type of individual identifier for a victim is prohibited from release?

Their phone number Signup and view all the answers

How are requests for information about an investigation handled?

They are directed to the Media Unit for follow-up Signup and view all the answers

What is NOT a type of information that may be released in homicide cases?

Weapons used Signup and view all the answers

What action should a member take after hours when receiving media requests for information?

Contact the on-call Media Unit representative or investigating supervisor Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of establishing a central location for media briefings?

To monitor or secure the briefings from public interference Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT permissible to release concerning a confession?

The content of a confession Signup and view all the answers

What must be considered before releasing the identity of victims involved in sex-related offenses?

Victim information involving juveniles must remain confidential Signup and view all the answers

What is required for media outlets to conduct video recording during a Department approved ride-along?

Approval of the Media Unit Commander and the appropriate Division Commander or Patrol Bureau Commander Signup and view all the answers

Under what condition is video recording and photographing prohibited during law enforcement activities?

Without prior approval from the Media Unit Commander and appropriate Division Commander Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential risk of using flash, strobes, or high-intensity lights by media outlets?

They can hinder a police operation and create hazards Signup and view all the answers

Which areas may media outlets take video recordings and photographs?

Areas where the media outlets or the public have been granted access Signup and view all the answers

Who has the final authority to adopt policies regarding media recording during ride-alongs?

The Board of Police Commissioners Signup and view all the answers

What incident could be caused by the inappropriate use of flash or strobe lights during a police operation?

A potential explosion in a gaseous atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What does the policy state regarding public access to certain areas?

Media and public access may be granted to select locations only Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a requirement laid out for media before they can film during a ride-along?

Having a designated spokesperson from the media outlet Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Media Inquiries and Access to Crime Scenes

Media inquiries about internal investigations are directed to the Media Unit.
A designated staging area will be set up at secure crime scenes for media access.
Only ranking sworn members can approve access beyond the secured crime scene.

Media Access Procedures

Media Unit members will identify access areas from the ranking sworn member on-site.
Cameras and media outlets can operate near public barriers but must maintain a safe distance.
Mobile TV and radio units will be directed to a designated assembly point.

Media Access to Police Facilities

Media outlets must inform the Media Unit of their presence at police facilities.
Media credentials may be requested for verification.
Access is permitted in public areas; restricted areas require escort by Department personnel.

Information Release Protocols

Media releases at fire scenes are managed by the Fire Department until deemed criminal.
Supervisors must approve non-specified information releases; if in doubt, media should be referred to a supervisor.
The Media Unit handles all investigation inquiries from the media.

Information Disclosure Guidelines

Basic information like the type of call and suspect descriptions may be shared unless it jeopardizes investigations.
Attendance and apprehension details concerning suspects can only be disclosed to aid public safety.
Media Unit will fulfill document requests following Missouri Sunshine Law.

Restrictions on Information Release

Certain details, such as confessions or personal opinions on suspects, cannot be released.
Victim identifiers and information relating to sexual offenses and juveniles are protected.
Details regarding injuries or the causes of death in homicide cases require high-level approval before release.

Media Recording Restrictions

Media recordings of police activity during Department-approved ride-alongs require consent from the Media Unit and Division Commanders.
Use of intense lighting by media is restricted to prevent dangers during police operations.

Summary of Leadership and Adoption

Chief of Police: Stacey Graves
Adopted on April 25, 2023, by the Board of Police Commissioners, led by Board President Mark C. Tolbert.
Document distribution includes all Department personnel and public access via the Internet and Intranet.

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Description

This quiz covers the protocols and procedures related to media inquiries regarding internal investigations within a police department. It also details the management of media access at crime scene perimeters. Understand the importance of maintaining security while accommodating media communications.