Ch. 6 - Release Of Information To The Media

Question 1

What is the CHP 960 Media Guide?

Answer 1

summarizes the rights of the media under current laws and the legal requirements of release of information.

Question 2

The collision report (including photographs) is releasable to?

Answer 2

a) Involved parties (including registered owner of the vehicle).
(b) Insurance companies of the involved parties.
(c) Attorneys of the involved parties.
(d) The media, who can request copies of collision reports. Only public portions of the report can be released. Such requests should be forwarded to COMR for input from the Special Counsel.

Question 3

Generally, information released to the news media should be limited to what is indicated on the?

Answer 3

CHP 288A

Question 4

What 4 things are limited in release of collision information?

Answer 4

a) Fatal victim information is only releasable through the coroner.
(b) Injuries should be classified as minor, moderate, major and fatal. Do not list specific injuries (especially information obtained post-transportation to the hospital or other medical facility).
(c) Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) results are not releasable.
(d) Traffic collision photographs are not releasable to the media.

Question 5

Following shall be provided upon request by media regarding a criminal arrest report:

Answer 5

(a) Arrestee’s full name (except juveniles – see paragraph 3. c. below).
(b) Arrestee’s complete address except as otherwise exempted by statute (including California Vehicle Code 1808.4 – Refer to Annex C, CHP 464, Photograph/Video Authorization) is releasable to the media per Government Code Section 6254(f). However, the address is not releasable to the public unless they want the information for scholarly, journalistic, political, or governmental purposes.
(c) Victim’s name and address except as outlined in paragraph 4.a.
(d) Arrestee’s occupation, physical description, and date of birth.
(e) Time, date, location, and circumstances of arrest.
(f) Pursuit or use of weapons by officers.
(g) Name of arresting/investigating officer and length of investigation,
unless disclosure would jeopardize personal safety or hinder the investigation.
(h) Limited description of evidence seized (i.e., handgun, not Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver).
(i) Time, date, and location of booking.
(j) All charges, including warrants and probation or parole holds.
(k) Amount of bail, court schedule, time, and manner of release.

Question 6

When a juvenile has been in a traffic collision, what is allowed to be released?

Answer 6

the name, age and hometown are releasable.

Question 7

True or False
If a youth has or might be arrested the name is releasable?

Answer 7

False

Question 8

What can you release regarding a juvenile 14 years or older taken into custody for a serious felony

Answer 8

only the name and offense(s) allegedly committed

Question 9

When can you release Name, description, and alleged violent felony?

Answer 9

if an arrest warrant has been issued or if the information would assist in the minor’s apprehension or protect the public

Question 10

What information is not releasable per the Peace Officers Procedural Bill of Rights (POBR)?

Answer 10

(1) Talking Points (releasable statements) have been developed and are accessible on the Department’s Intranet regarding Personnel Investigations.
(2) Should an incident occur that results in a personnel investigation of any CHP employee, the Talking Points can be used to field questions by the media about the incident or the person(s) involved.
(3) Under certain circumstances a statement may be provided. Contact COMR for assistance.
(4) The Department does not, by policy, discuss pending litigation.

Question 11

True or false

The California Penal Code forbids the release of state or local criminal history information to unauthorized persons, which includes the news media.

Answer 11

True

Question 12

True or false
exceptions to the rules of releasing photographs and criminal history information. Penal Code Section 13306(b) states: “It is not a violation of this article to disseminate information obtained from a record for the purpose of assisting in the apprehension of a person wanted in the connection with the commission of a crime.”

Answer 12

True

Question 13

Areas are required to provide a printed news release to the media in ____ hours prior to the checkpoint operations.

Answer 13

48

Question 14

What are talking points?

Answer 14

Available on CHP intranet for use when speaking on behalf of the dept at community engagements and media events or during press interviews