Public Information Flashcards
Public information will be handled in accordance with the ___________________.
Maryland Public information act (MPIA)
True or False: The police department does not issues press cards
True
The police department treats freelance writers and photographers as the ___________________.
general public
____________________- is responsible for discussing department police and for making official comment on sensitive matters.
Public Affairs Section
____________________- Comments on Internal Affairs Division investigations. Provides factual information to the media and coordinates requests for information between the media and Department personnel.
Public affairs section
Sends a full explanation of specific acts violating departmental policy to a ______________ employer when privileges are denied.
Reporters
________________ will be referred to when validity of media credentials is questioned
Public Affairs section
_______________ publishes the departmental newsletter and other resources to the public
Public affairs section
___________ has access to all members but will not be allowed to interfere with the police mission
Media
Media Problems will be referred to the (list 4):
officer in charge
supervisor
precinct commander
Public Affairs Section Commander
Department members will not __________ information for its news value
Prejudge
Department members are authorized to give information to known media representatives over the phone. Members will attempt to establish and verify the identity of unknown media callers by ____________ or contacting the appropriate news agency.
Returning the call
_______________ Will forward newsworthy information concerning major operations (e.g., planned raids, multiple arrests, etc.), promotions, projects, programs, and other activities to the Public Affairs Section, in writing, in advance of effective dates. If there is an urgent need to release the information, notification will be made by telephone.
commanders
Commanders will inform the __________ sections of major changes in operations, procedures and personnel.
Public affairs section
Are all details of a Federal Investigation like a bank robbery releasable information?
No
-Requests for aid in locating evidence, complainants, victims, witnesses, missing persons, or
suspects (race may be released as descriptive information in such cases).
-Number of officers or people involved and length of the investigation.
- Name of officer in charge of the case, the officer’s supervisor, and his/her division/unit
assignment, in accordance with Article 7 of the Administrative Manual and the Memorandum of Understanding between Baltimore County and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Are all considered _____________.
Releasable information
- Identity of a sex crime victim, adult or juvenile, or related information which may divulge the victim’s identity.
- Identity of a juvenile suspect, defendant, or respondent in any case over which the Juvenile Court of Baltimore County has jurisdiction.
Are examples of __________________________.
Information Release Prohibitions
- The accused adult’s name, age, description, residence, employment, and marital status.
- Substance or text of the charge as contained in the complaint, warrant, indictment, or information.
- The name, age, and address of a juvenile only when charged as an adult or waived to adult status. NOTE: Identifying information will not be released until bail hearing is complete
- The fact a juvenile was taken into custody on delinquent charges, including sex, age, general area of a juvenile’s residence, and substance of the charge.
- Identity of the investigating and arresting officers, agency, and length of the investigation, in accordance with Article 7 of the Administrative Manual and the Memorandum of Understanding between Baltimore County and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Are examples of ________________.
Releasable information
With regard to general crime scene access courtesy will be extended to ____________________ actively covering the incident.
Media representatives
Department members cannot grant third parties (e.g., members of the media, etc.) permission to enter the _________________of others. The Department’s right to enter private property to process crime scenes, search for additional victims/suspects, etc., is only valid for the time necessary to accomplish the law enforcement purpose. This right cannot be transferred to persons who are not necessary to accomplish the Department’s official business.
Private property
____________ is allowed after all known evidence has been processed and the on-site investigation is completed.
Media access
True or False: The officer in charge will designate a media information area in hostage/barricade incidents. This area may be moved closer to the scene when safe.
true
true or false: RECORDING/TELEVISING/PHOTOGRAPHING Is allowed in public places as long as it does not interfere with police operations. And is allowed on private property as long as permission was granted by the owner or representative.
True
Members will not __________ the suspect/accused for photographs, interviews or telecasts.
Pose
True or False: Film, digital image, and video tape, will not be released of a subject in custody.
True
INTERVIEWS With the media by persons in police custody are ________________.
Prohibited
Media access at fire scenes are controlled by the ___________________.
Official in command
Sensitive or investigative information from the Internal Affairs Division will not be released except with permission from the ______________________.
Chief of police
Released internal investigation will conform with state law as it concerns the rights of ______________.
Police officers
When a citizen requests that information on an incident not be released or reported to the media, members will explain that police reports are generally considered public information and accessible to the media. Members will explain that such a request will be noted in the official __________________, but that the media will make the decision whether or not to publish unrestricted information. Members may also notify the Public Affairs Section of such requests when advisable.
Incident report.
INCIDENTS REQUIRING PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION NOTIFICATION ARE:
Homicides.
Burglaries and thefts in excess of $50,000.
Disasters resulting in loss of life or extensive property damage.
Fatalities resulting from fire, drowning, or electrocution.
Traffic, aircraft, or train accidents where fatalities occur.
Deaths of persons in custody.
School bus accidents involving any injuries.
Missing children under 10 years of age.
Missing persons when foul play is suspected.
Extensive searches.
Strikes, riots, disorders involving groups of people.
Shootings involving citizens or police officers.
Bomb threats or where a device is found.
Hostage/barricade incidents where life is threatened or endangered.
Any incident involving persons who, by their position in society, are of interest to the public.
_____________________- Ensures that confirmed, official accounts of events are reported. Contacts the 9-1-1 Police Liaison at the earliest possible moment (generally within two hours) with an oral summary. Information should include who, what, when, where, why, and other non-restricted supporting data. Answers inquiries made by any media representative who responds to a scene.
Officer in charge
_____________________Obtains necessary information from the officer-in-charge on the scene. Prepares a written news release, in narrative form and in simple, easily understood language. Releases all non-restricted information. Forwards copies of releases to the Public Affairs Section. Directs media representatives to the proper precinct, section or Department authority when more detailed information is requested than is available.
911 police liasion
________________________ Determines the type and extent of action/coordination by the Section on a case-by-case basis. Notifies the 9-1-1 Police Liaison as to the extent of the Section’s direct involvement in an incident.
Assists officers needing advice, counsel or a Public Affairs Section representative at an incident scene.
Public Affairs section
