Procedure 307-Public & Media Information Flashcards
.01. This procedure provides members of the Department with direction regarding…
the official dissemination of information to
the public and media.
.02. Police activities, by their very nature, generate a great deal of…
public and media interest.
.02. Major police incidents, such as officer-involved shootings, hostage incidents, major crimes, and large-scale operations significantly…
heighten levels of public exposure and scrutiny.
.02. Police information has an extremely sensitive aspect which must…
balance two major concerns.
.02. Two major concerns police information must balance are the…
(constitutional guarantees involving the rights to access by the public) and (right of privacy belonging to each individual.)
.02. Bears upon the dissemination of information in that they stipulate certain information agencies must divulge or protect.
Mandates from The Texas Open Records Act and the Family Code.
.03. It is the policy of the San Antonio Police Department to establish and maintain an open and cooperative environment in which members of the media and public may obtain..
timely and accurate information on all matters of community interest.
.03.It is the policy of the San Antonio Police Department the public and media may obtain information in a manner which does not jeopardize…
police operations or the rights of citizens, complainants, witnesses, and persons in
custody.
.04. Releasing to the media, as soon as practical, any factual information listed under Subsection .05A, is the responsibility of…
The ranking officer at the scene of an incident has this responsibility.
.04. Designating a press area,is the responsibility of…
The ranking officer at the scene of an incident has this responsibility.
.04. Allowing access to crime scenes as soon as practical;is the responsibility of…
The ranking officer at the scene of an incident has this responsibility.
.04. Protecting the interests of owners or agents on whose private property a crime scene exists; is the responsibility of…
The ranking officer at the scene of an incident has this responsibility.
.04. Delegating the responsibility for the release of information under Subsection .05A,is the responsibility of…
The ranking officer at the scene of an incident has this responsibility.
.04. Any officer may release information listed under Subsection .05A on a police incident which…
does not require the presence of a Supervisory Officer (i.e., major accidents, fires, etc.).
.04. Has the responsibility to coordinate media activities involving the various official functions of the Department at scenes of major police incidents.
The Police Media Services Detail.
.04. Has the responsibility for Limiting media personnel to those areas which will not interfere with operational functions and access to the location.
The Police Media Services Detail.
.04. Has the responsibility for Establishing and marking an information dissemination point or press area.
The Police Media Services Detail.
.04. Has the responsibility for Arranging interviews with appropriate personnel if and when feasible.
The Police Media Services Detail.
.04. Has the responsibility for Preparing a written news release, if necessary.
The Police Media Services Detail.
.05 Release of Information:
a. Location of the offense/incident;
b. Premises involved;
c. Time of occurrence;
d. Brief summary of offense/incident;
e. Identification/description of complainant.
Information that may be released regarding a police incident:
.05 Release of Information:
f. General description of suspect.
g. General description and/or license number of a suspect’s vehicle, if it does not compromise the investigation;
Information that may be released regarding a police incident:
.05 Release of Information:
h. General description of property involved. Avoid descriptions which detail the evidence and which hinder the investigation;
i. Identification of investigating officers, without compromising an undercover operation.
Information that may be released regarding a police incident:
.05. The Officer delegated the responsibility of releasing information consults with….
A Supervisory Officer before releasing information not covered by this procedure.
.05. The release of information at major crime scenes or incidents is coordinated with the…
proper investigative unit to ensure crime scene integrity
.05. Information regarding internal investigations is released through the..
Police Media Services Detail or a representative designated by the Chief of Police. Prior Test Question.
.05. Information regarding Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) citywide statistics is released …
only through the Police Media Services Detail.
Prior Test Question.
.05. Information regarding the interpretation of departmental policy or procedures is released through the…
Police Media Services Detail or a representative designated by the Chief of Police. Prior test question.
.06. The name of a complainant or victim who is deceased or seriously injured, until a surviving relative has been notified;
Information in connection with police incidents that is not released:
.06.The name of a complainant who has been involved in any type of sexual offense;
Information in connection with police incidents that is not released:
.06. The name of a suspect, until the suspect has been booked in a jail facility or formal charges have been filed;
Information in connection with police incidents that is not released:
.06.Identification and description of witnesses;
Information in connection with police incidents that is not released:
.06. The existence or contents of statements, oral admissions, or oral confessions made by a suspect or apprehended person;
Information in connection with police incidents that is not released:
.06. Personal opinions about the suspect and/or information on evidence;
Information in connection with police incidents that is not released:
.06.Statements concerning the testimony or the truthfulness of witnesses; and
Information in connection with police incidents that is not released:
.06. Photographs of any person who is a suspect or arrested person which are taken for purposes of investigatory or criminal history record information in an ongoing investigation.
Information in connection with police incidents that is not released:
.06. Any officer encountering a citizen or media representative who is not satisfied with the officer’s response to a request for non-releasable information should refer the citizen or media representative to…
the officer’s immediate supervisor.
.06. Requests from the public or media for release of the home address or phone number of any member of the Department are referred to the…
Police Media Services Detail.
Prior test question.
.06. Any requests from outside the Department for release of information from departmental administrative or field files are referred to the…
Accounting and Personnel Office.
Prior test question.
.07. Members of the media requesting to ride in a police vehicle to a police incident shall make the request through the…
Police Media Services Detail, with final approval obtained through the Office of the Chief of Police.
Prior test question.
.07. Members of the media must display appropriate press credentials prior to being admitted to…
press areas or locations of police incidents.
.07. Officers should not restrict the movement of media personnel unless their actions clearly and directly…
interfere with police operations or investigations.
.07. Photographs may be taken in or from any…
public access or officially designated areas.
.07. No member of the media shall have any property…
seized or threatened with confiscation without due process of law.
.07. The mere presence of media personnel, the taking of pictures, or the asking of questions does not constitute…
unlawful interference.
.07. Officers may restrict the use of flash or bright lighting when their use may…
hinder police operations.
