Media Policy

Question 1

What to note prior to arrest:

Answer 1

Basic facts (type of offence, location)
Description of suspects, vehicles, weapons and other articles involves
General conditions of the victim
Don’t provide details that would identify a victim
Remarks make by the offender eg “threatened staff” not direct quotes
Include Crime Stoppers phone number

Question 2

In custody but not charged:

Answer 2

That he/she is in custody and where they are held
Where and when they were arrested
That he/she is helping Police with enquiries
Age, sex, occupation and suburb (taking care not to identify the person)
The Command/Squad/Unit(s) involved in the arrest
Bare facts of the crime
Do not use ethnicity based descriptions

Question 3

After charging:

Answer 3

The charges
Date and location of court appearance
Whether or not bail was granted
Bare facts of the crime