News Media Policy
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Questions and Answers

What action is taken if the owner of private property denies media access during a crime scene investigation?

  • Officers will ensure the media does not enter the property. (correct)
  • Media is allowed to enter if police are present.
  • Media may enter only if they have a valid press badge.
  • Officers will request the owner's permission again.

Which statement about individuals in police custody is accurate?

  • They may be photographed by media representatives.
  • They can request to speak on camera.
  • They are prohibited from discussing the incident with media. (correct)
  • They can freely discuss the incident with the media.

What should investigative officers do when they arrive on-scene and encounter media?

  • Building rapport with the media may provide useful information. (correct)
  • Conduct interviews with the media immediately.
  • Avoid interaction and focus solely on the investigation.
  • Inform the media of all aspects of the investigation.

How should officers handle conflicts with media representatives?

<p>Notify the PIO for appropriate mediation. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What must officers do when a media representative is arrested?

<p>Notify the PIO and Chief of Police or their designee promptly. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary objective of the Omaha Police Department (OPD) in their relationship with the news media?

<p>To release relevant information while respecting individual rights. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered public information according to OPD policy?

<p>Information about ongoing police investigations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is responsible for handling information requests from both the media and community members?

<p>The Public Information Office (PIO). (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one condition under which OPD employees are expected to release information to the news media?

<p>It must not unduly interfere with departmental operations. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what scenario can freelance news media representatives be treated differently according to OPD policy?

<p>If they have prior approval from the Chief of Police. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role does the PIO play regarding media responsiveness?

<p>The PIO ensures timely responses to media inquiries. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How are on-scene command officers expected to approach information release?

<p>They need to notify the PIO before releasing any information. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What factor does NOT limit the type of information released by OPD to the media?

<p>Employee performance. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily responsible for preserving the integrity of the crime scene?

<p>The officers responding to the scene (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Under what circumstances may officers release information about suspects or victims to the media?

<p>Only if directed by the PIO or appropriate investigative unit (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the command officer or their designee when the PIO is absent?

<p>To release timely information regarding the incident (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What should officers do before conducting an on-camera interview with the media?

<p>Prepare the media off-camera for a better understanding (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What restriction is placed on employees of the OPD when it comes to media interviews?

<p>They require prior approval from the Office of the Chief of Police (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Where can media representatives be allowed access during a crime scene event?

<p>Anywhere the general public is allowed (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a media staging location used for during a crime incident?

<p>To provide the media with a safe space to report (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Public Information

Information about the department, events, or procedures that's newsworthy, doesn't compromise safety or privacy, and doesn't interfere with the department's mission.

Public Information Office (PIO)

A designated department representative responsible for communicating with the news media on behalf of the OPD.

Omaha Police Department's Information Release Policy

The policy that outlines the OPD's approach to releasing information to the public.

News Media Representatives

Individuals employed by media agencies (like TV or newspapers) authorized to gather and report news.

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Release of Information to the Media by On-Scene Command Officers

Officers at a crime scene have the responsibility to release information to the media while following OPD guidelines.

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PIO's Role in Responding to Scenes

The PIO responds to scenes involving critical incidents, significant arrests, or major events, to provide information to the media.

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PIO Responsibilities

The PIO's primary responsibility is to ensure the accuracy, timeliness, and fairness of information released to the public.

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PIO's Relationship to Department Policies

The PIO ensures that the department's efforts to provide information to the news media are consistent with the department's policies and objectives.

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Officer's Primary Responsibility at a Crime Scene

The primary responsibility of officers at a crime scene is to protect the scene, gather evidence, and conduct necessary investigations.

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Media Information Release

The command officer or their designee is responsible for releasing information to the media in a timely manner when the PIO is unavailable.

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Suspect/Victim Information Release

Officers must obtain authorization from the PIO or the investigative unit before releasing suspect or victim information to the media.

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Seeking PIO Assistance

The command officer may seek guidance from the PIO or request their presence on scene to brief the media.

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Media Interview Approval

All OPD employees require approval from the Chief of Police before granting media interviews concerning department policies, procedures, or events.

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Media Preparation for Interviews

Before on-camera interviews, officers must prepare the media off-camera to ensure they understand the incident.

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Live Media Coverage

Officers should be aware that reporters may be broadcasting interviews live.

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Media Access to Crime Scenes

Media representatives are allowed access to areas that are open to the general public.

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Media Access on Private Property

Law enforcement officers must ensure media representatives do not enter private property when the owner denies access, even in the presence of police.

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Media Access to Detainees

Individuals who are in police custody are not allowed to speak with news media representatives about the incident they are involved in.

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Media as a Source of Information

On-scene media may be a useful source of investigative information for police. Officers should acknowledge and interact with the media as they might have valuable information.

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Media Ride-Along Requests

News media may request to accompany officers on duty. These requests must be coordinated through the public information officer (PIO).

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Mediating Media Conflicts

The PIO will attempt to resolve any conflict or confrontation between police officers and media representatives.

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Study Notes

News Media Policy

  • A professional working relationship between police and news media is essential.
  • News media representatives are permitted to work within the law, without interference from police employees, as long as their activities do not unduly interfere with department operations or infringe on individual rights.
  • Information will be released impartially.
  • Omaha Police Department (OPD) policy is to release relevant information while protecting victims' rights, respecting individuals in custody, and preventing the disclosure of confidential information.
  • OPD employees must follow OPD "Records – Information Dissemination" policy when releasing information to the media.

Definitions

  • Public Information: Information of public interest not legally protected, not interfering with department operations, nor infringing upon any rights, or compromising safety or privacy of employees, victims, witnesses.
  • News Media Representatives: Individuals directly employed by broadcast or print media agencies; freelancers are considered part of the general public unless authorized by the Chief of Police.
  • Public Information Officer (PIO): OPD's central information source for the release of information to news media/community; directly responsible to the Chief of Police.

Procedure

  • Public Information Office (PIO): Responsible for:
    • On-call responses to news media (contact information in Appendix A)
    • Preparing and distributing news releases, coordinating with other units for notifications (e.g., Traffic, CIB) about events.
    • Coordinating news conferences.
    • Assisting units in disseminating information to news media regarding investigations.
    • Assisting in crisis situations within the department
  • Release of Information by On-Scene Command Officers:
    • Officer's primary responsibility is to preserve the crime scene, gather evidence, and complete investigations.
    • In the absence of the PIO, the command officer will release information to the media (offense, time, location of incident) in a timely manner.
  • Media Interviews:
    • Officers will refer media to the PIO regarding policies, procedures, or department events.
    • On-scene interviews will be prepared off-camera.
    • Officers are not responsible for censoring the media but responsible for safety.
  • Media Access to Crime Scenes:
    • Media representatives have access where the general public is allowed (in accordance with any policies).
    • Media may not shield subjects.
    • Officers will provide media staging areas.
  • Media Access to Persons in Police Custody:
    • Individuals in custody will not be interviewed by or photographed by the press.
  • Media Relations:
    • On-scene officers may give information to reporters; information may be helpful to their investigation.
    • Officers should work to build rapport with reporters to increase information flow.
  • Ride-Along Requests:
    • Media representatives can request ride-alongs through the PIO.
    • Requests should outline the story focus and be approved by the Chief of Police.
  • Specific Circumstances:
    • Incidents involving child victims, sexual assault, or a homicide (collaboration between commander of the appropriate investigative unit and the PIO).
    • Officer-involved incidents. (only Chief of Police or designee can release information to the media)
    • Multi-Law enforcement agency responses.
    • The PIO ensures coordination across agencies and releases information
  • Fire Scenes
    • Media release for multiple alarm fires, death by fire, arson investigations, or hazardous material incidents are handled by the Chief of the Omaha Fire Department.
  • Other Important Information
    • OPD employees must report conflicts, confrontations with media representatives.
    • Media must follow all traffic laws around the crime scene.
    • Media may not block emergency vehicles accessing the scene.
    • Media must not stop on interstate to get to the scene.
    • Media must not enter private property when requested for safety concerns.

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News Media Policy PDF

Description

This quiz explores the policy governing the relationship between the Omaha Police Department and news media representatives. It covers crucial guidelines for information dissemination while protecting individual rights and maintaining operational integrity. Test your understanding of the definitions and protocols involved.

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