HPM 90.1 Media Relations Manual

Question 1

The objective of media relations is to__________________________________________________________________________________________________________.

Answer 1

generate a positive image of
the Department and improve traffic safety and awareness through information
dissemination to the news media.

Question 2

All materials prepared for dissemination to the news media, except local news
releases related to daily or routine operations, shall be cleared through_________ prior to dissemination. All headquarters releases are to be approved by _________________.

Answer 2

COMR / Office of the Commissioner and disseminated by COMR.

Question 3

Personnel________not discuss, with the news media, matters of a politically
sensitive nature without approval from COMR. Only the rank of commander or
above shall discuss personnel issues other than critical incidents such as
shootings, collisions, etc. When in doubt about any public dissemination,
coordinate with your commander for discussion or guidance.

Answer 3

shall

Question 4

Every employee is responsible for upholding the ______________________ when in contact with the news media and the public.
HPM 90.1 1-4

Answer 4

professional image of the
Department

Question 5

All members of the Department are ____________________ with
authorized news media in providing information to the public in which the public has
a legitimate interest.

Answer 5

encouraged to cooperate fully

Question 6

There is a simple rule that you can follow in order to become respected by the media. The rule consists of four aspects, or “Cs:”

Answer 6

1. Clarity
2. Control
3. Consistency
4. Confidence

Question 7

When a Juvenile has been in a traffic collision, is their Name, Age, and Hometown releasable?

Answer 7

Yes. However if the youth has or might be arrested the juvenile’s name is not releasable.

Question 8

SOBRIETY CHECKPOINTS.
Areas are required to provide a printed news release to the media _______ prior to the checkpoint operations.

Answer 8

48 hours

Question 9

Specific checkpoint locations shall not be released sooner than ______ prior to the checkpoint start time.

Answer 9

two hours

Question 10

The collision report (including photographs) is releasable to:
(a) Involved parties (including registered owner of the vehicle).
(b) _____________________________.
(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.

Answer 10

(b) Insurance companies of the involved parties.

Question 11

Commanders shall make immediate notification of all significant incidents and newsworthy events, involving the Department, occurring in their commands to their appropriate ________ (including, but not limited to, those incidents listed in GO 100.80, Notification and Report of Emergency Incidents and Significant Events). This is especially critical when a story may be carried by a media outlet.
a. assistant chief
b. chief
c. commissioner field
d. commissioner

Answer 11

a. assistant chief

Question 12

Personnel _______ not isolate the media outside the crime/incident scene unless the area has been secured to preserve evidence or media access will interfere with the investigation or law enforcement function.
a. shall
b. should
c. may
d. can

Answer 12

a. shall

Question 13

When a question on policy deals with an issue that is not confidential, an answer _______ be provided immediately, if known. The Department’s talking points should be reviewed prior to providing the answer.
a. shall
b. should
c. may
d. should not

Answer 13

b. should

Question 14

The collision report (including photographs) is releasable to all of the following except:
a. Involved parties (including registered owner of the vehicle).
b. Insurance companies of the involved parties.
c. Immediate family members.
d. Attorneys of the involved parties.
e. The media, who can request copies of collision reports. Only public portions of the report can be released. Such requests should be forwarded to COMS for input from the Special Counsel.

Answer 14

c. Immediate family members.

Question 15

When a juvenile has been in a traffic collision, the name, age, and hometown are ___________. If the youth has or might be arrested (for example, driving under the influence or auto theft), the juvenile’s name is ___________.
a. releasable / releasable
b. not releasable / not releasable
c. not releasable / releasable
d. releasable / not releasable

Answer 15

d. releasable / not releasable

Question 16

At a minimum, what is required to meet the press credentials requirement?

Answer 16

1. Photo identification AND
   
   2. Proof of association with a media outlet

Question 17

Should media be invited on ride-a-longs?

Answer 17

Yes.

Question 18

When can we deny the media access to a scene?

Answer 18

1. If it has been declared a crime scene
   
   2. If access would clearly interfere with emergency crews or equipment
2. When it involves the collision of a military aircraft and it has been declared a National Defense Area (NDA). Prior to the military declaring it an NDA the press can have access

Question 19

Should media questions of Department policy be immediately answered?

Answer 19

Yes, if
1. It is not confidential
2. The answer is known

Question 20

Can BAC results be released?

Answer 20

NO