Public information Flashcards
Who should all media inquiries be directed to in general?
PIO or the Patrol Duty Commander
What should officers base their released information on?
Fact
What should requests for general department information be forwarded to?
PIO for a response
Who should confer with the appropriate investigative unit before releasing information about an ongoing criminal investigation?
PIO or the Patrol Duty Commander
When should PIO coordinate the release of information during special events, emergency situations, or critical incidents?
With the Incident Commander or designee
When can on-camera interviews be provided to media representatives in Special Victims Section cases?
If approved by the Executive Officer or designee of the Chief of Police
Who should review formal news releases before being distributed by a PIO?
Appropriate unit supervisor(s) and the Executive Officer or other designee of the Chief of Police
What should officers in uniform and outdoors on a scene of an incident do during on-camera interviews?
Wear the currently approved department hat
When conducting an on-camera interview, what items should officers not wear?
Sunglasses, except glasses with transitional lenses
Who must approve on-camera interviews involving Special Victims Section cases?
Executive Officer or other designee of the Chief of Police
How should a detective notify Public Information Office about submitting a case for LexIDme consideration?
By sending an email to PolicePIO@lexingtonpolice.ky.gov with the incident case number.
What is the detective’s responsibility before submitting a case to LexIDme?
To obtain and document consent from a victim or complainant for placing their media on LexIDme.
What happens to incoming email tips on LexIDme from the public?
They are automatically routed to the Public Information Office and the submitting detective.
When should the detective notify the Public Information Office about the status of a tip received on LexIDme?
Promptly after investigating the tip, whether good or bad, and upon identifying a suspect.
Under what circumstances can a case be removed from LexIDme?
If a suspect is identified, at the request of the submitting detective, after 3 months with no tip, statute of limitations expired, or at discretion.
What is required to track LexIDme-related statistics?
To assess the program’s efficacy.
Who should officers and PIOs consult with before releasing information?
Their supervisor
How can information be released to the public?
Through formal news release, social media, Crime Stoppers, or LexIDme program
When can the Crime Stoppers Coordinator release information without notifying the PIO?
When re-releasing previously released information
What must be done before releasing information received from other law enforcement agencies?
Approval must be obtained
In incidents with other public service agencies, who coordinates information release to the media?
The agency with primary jurisdiction
What should be done with media inquiries related to case prosecution?
They should be referred to the appropriate prosecutor’s office
What should employees avoid releasing to avoid prejudicing an accused person’s right to a fair trial?
Sensitive and prejudicial information
When can an adult suspect’s name and charges be released?
When there is an active warrant or an arrest has been made
What type of information should employees use when releasing information to the media?
Only objective facts
Who is responsible for releasing death notifications?
The coroner’s office
What type of information should employees not release without prior approval?
Information about evidence
What personal information about a victim should not be released by employees?
Identifying information
What is the purpose of G.O. 1992-10G?
To establish guidelines for public information release and media procedures.
Who is responsible for the overall management of the Public Information Office function?
The Executive Officer.
What are the responsibilities of the Public Information Office sworn supervisor?
Oversight and management of daily operations and supervision of assigned employees.
What is the authority of PIOs regarding information release?
They have authority to release information without prior approval within policy guidelines.
What duties pertain to PIOs in assisting with media interactions?
Handling media inquiries, news conferences, interviews, and written releases.
How do PIOs handle active threat situations?
Respond to the scene, assist with media staging, and coordinate department communication.
Who authorizes news releases about active threat situations?
Chief of Police, Executive Officer, or other designee.
Who manages the LexIDme program?
The Public Information Office via a webpage associated with www.lexingtonky.gov.
What type of information can detectives submit to the LexIDme program?
Photographs and/or video depicting suspect(s) who have not been identified through conventional investigative means.
What is the purpose of posting suspect images on the LexIDme webpage?
To ask the public for assistance in identifying unknown suspect(s).
What information can members of the public submit via LexIDme?
Members of the public submit tips via submission options listed on the webpage.
What is the responsibility of designated Public Information Office employees in the LexIDme program?
To serve as liaisons between participating detectives and the news media.
What must detectives do before submitting images to LexIDme?
Submit only confirmed suspect(s) video or photographic evidence linking a person(s) with alleged crime(s).
