Policy Text
11/20/25, 2:29 PM FLORIDA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
be realized. However, the scope and content of information
released must be determined according to the facts of each
situation. The lead investigator or other responsible authority
makes such determination.
1.410.50???????????????????????? ALLOWING NEWSMEN TO ENTER AREA OF
A SERIOUS POLICE INCIDENT OR CRIME SCENE
Polices lines are established to prevent persons from entering
the area of a serious incident or crime scene. Department upon
the tactical situation and likelihood of jeopardizing police
operations, members of the decision to permitted to enter such
areas. However, the decision to permit entry rests with lead
investigator.
1.410.60???????????????????????? WHERE NEWSMEN ARE NOT AUTHORIZED
The news media does not have authority to be within a crime
scene or area, which has been secured to preserve Evidence or
where their presence may jeopardize police Operations.
1.410.65???????????????????????? NEWS MEDIA NOT EXEMPT FROM LAWS
A newsman?s primary responsibility is to report the news by
obtaining information and photographs at newsworthy
incidents. Opportunity to do so is frequently momentary at an
emergency scene. An officer should not obstruct a newsman
unnecessarily; however, members of the news media are not
exempt from municipal, state or federal statute.
1.410.70???????????????????????? REQUEST TO WITHHOLD PUBLICATION
When publication of information would interfere with an
investigation or place a victim, suspect or other in jeopardy,
the withholding of publication is dependent Upon a
cooperative press not censorship by the Department. Under
such circumstance, officers should advise the news media of
the possible consequences of publication. Officer may not
interfere with newsmen?s activities as long as that
performance remains within the confines of the law.
1.420????????????????????????????? PUBLIC INFORMATION
1.420.1O??????????????????????? REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
The news media and member of the public frequently direct
inquire to the Department seeking information on a variety of
11/20/25, 2:29 PM FLORIDA CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
subjects. Whether to release information or to grant interviews
will be determined according to the facts of each case.
1.420.20???????????????????????? USE OF DEPARTMENT FACILITIES
Upon authorization by the office of the Chief of Police,
representatives form the news media or public information
groups may use their equipment inside police facilities to
record interviews, documentaries, new release or events of an
unusual nature.
1.420.30???????????????????????? FEATURES ARTICLES OR PROGRAMS
Request for cooperation in preparation of articles for
newspaper, magazines, and other publications will be
considered individually. Interviewing of personnel and
photographing of police facilities will be limited to the scope
of approval. Officers participating in preparation of such
articles should not exceed those limits. Employees should
exercise discretion so as not to make statements or convey
information, which may create a misunderstanding or
compromise the effectiveness of police service.
1.420.40?????????? ????????????? RESPONSIBILITY TO SUPPLY INFORMATION
When a request is made for information concerning a police
matter, an employee should decide if he is in possession of
sufficient fact and qualified to respond, as well as whether the
person making the request is proper person to receive the
information. An officer should be open in dealing with the
public and unless there is reason to the contrary, should supply
requested information. He should be cautious to avoid
representing as fact that which is opinion.
1.420.50???????????? ???????????? PUBLIC INFORMATION PROGRAMS
The Department conducts various public information and
crime prevention programs to educate the public and eliminate
specific crime problems. In addition, the Department
cooperates in developing new programs in those areas where
the relationship with any group or public as a whole may be
improved.
1.420.60???????????????????????? TOURS OF POLICE FACILITIES
Many people rarely have occasion to enter a police station or
to witness activities, which support line operation.