7.540 News Media And Public Information Flashcards
What is the primary responsibility of the Public Information Office (PIO)?
To ensure the public has access to timely and accurate information regarding public safety matters.
The PIO is also responsible for writing news releases and assisting department members in their preparation.
Who does the director of the PIO report to?
The Undersheriff.
A representative assigned to PIO is available on a 24-hour basis.
What types of incidents must the Communications supervisor notify the PIO about?
Incidents involving:
* Heroic actions by officers
* Line-of-duty injuries or deaths
* Major civil disturbances
* Sniper, barricade, or hostage incidents
* Aircraft accidents
* Bomb-related incidents
* Arrests involving prominent persons
* Pursuits resulting in accidents or injuries
* Officer-involved shootings (OIS)
These incidents are considered of interest to the media.
What types of information are generally released to the media?
The following can be released:
* Incident Crime Reports (ICR)
* Declaration of Arrest Reports
* Traffic Accident Reports
* Vehicle Impound Reports
* Property Impound Reports
* LVMPD criminal history record
* Booking photos
* 911 calls
* Department photographs of employees
Some of these require approval from the investigative unit.
What information is not released to the media?
Information will not be disclosed if it is:
* Privileged by law
* The interest in public disclosure is outweighed by privacy or law enforcement interests
Examples include names of sexual assault victims and personnel information.
True or False: The PIO can release information regarding officer-involved shootings (OIS) without coordination with the respective investigative bureau.
False.
The PIO must coordinate with the respective investigative bureau before releasing such information.
Fill in the blank: The news media may photograph and report what they observe when legally present at a scene, but publication may be withheld if it would _______.
[interfere with an investigation or place victims, suspects, or others in jeopardy].
Who is responsible for providing relevant information to the news media at a disaster or crime scene?
The ranking department member at the scene.
The PIO should be called to coordinate media relations in major incidents.
What is the protocol for responding to officer-involved deadly force incidents?
An on-scene PIO representative will:
* Notify the media
* Establish a media staging area
* Coordinate and manage on-scene media for briefing
* Attend the incident briefing
The IOCP Bureau commander will provide follow-up information to the media.
What must be done before conducting an interview or training regarding a mass casualty event?
Requests must be referred to the Office of the Undersheriff for approval.
This is to ensure consistent messaging.
What is required for media access to persons in custody?
Written permission is required from inmates unless they refuse to be interviewed or photographed.
Coordination with the media is through the PIO and the DSD commander.
In incidents involving multiple agencies, who confers to coordinate releases of information to the news media?
The watch commander or PIO will confer with other agency command staff.
The agency having primary jurisdiction generally bears the responsibility.
What is the primary responsibility of the Public Information Office (PIO)?
To ensure the public has access to timely and accurate information regarding public safety matters.
The PIO is also responsible for writing news releases and assisting department members in their preparation.
Who does the director of the PIO report to?
The Undersheriff.
A representative assigned to PIO is available on a 24-hour basis.
What types of incidents must the Communications supervisor notify the PIO about?
Incidents involving:
* Heroic actions by officers
* Line-of-duty injuries or deaths
* Major civil disturbances
* Sniper, barricade, or hostage incidents
* Aircraft accidents
* Bomb-related incidents
* Arrests involving prominent persons
* Pursuits resulting in accidents or injuries
* Officer-involved shootings (OIS)
These incidents are considered of interest to the media.
What types of information are generally released to the media?
The following can be released:
* Incident Crime Reports (ICR)
* Declaration of Arrest Reports
* Traffic Accident Reports
* Vehicle Impound Reports
* Property Impound Reports
* LVMPD criminal history record
* Booking photos
* 911 calls
* Department photographs of employees
Some of these require approval from the investigative unit.
What information is not released to the media?
Information will not be disclosed if it is:
* Privileged by law
* The interest in public disclosure is outweighed by privacy or law enforcement interests
Examples include names of sexual assault victims and personnel information.
True or False: The PIO can release information regarding officer-involved shootings (OIS) without coordination with the respective investigative bureau.
False.
The PIO must coordinate with the respective investigative bureau before releasing such information.
Fill in the blank: The news media may photograph and report what they observe when legally present at a scene, but publication may be withheld if it would _______.
[interfere with an investigation or place victims, suspects, or others in jeopardy].
Who is responsible for providing relevant information to the news media at a disaster or crime scene?
The ranking department member at the scene.
The PIO should be called to coordinate media relations in major incidents.
What is the protocol for responding to officer-involved deadly force incidents?
An on-scene PIO representative will:
* Notify the media
* Establish a media staging area
* Coordinate and manage on-scene media for briefing
* Attend the incident briefing
The IOCP Bureau commander will provide follow-up information to the media.
What must be done before conducting an interview or training regarding a mass casualty event?
Requests must be referred to the Office of the Undersheriff for approval.
This is to ensure consistent messaging.
What is required for media access to persons in custody?
Written permission is required from inmates unless they refuse to be interviewed or photographed.
Coordination with the media is through the PIO and the DSD commander.
In incidents involving multiple agencies, who confers to coordinate releases of information to the news media?
The watch commander or PIO will confer with other agency command staff.
The agency having primary jurisdiction generally bears the responsibility.
