Policy Text
Policy
334Fremont Police Department
Media Relations
334.1 PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This policy provides guidelines for the release of official department information to the media.
It also addresses coordinating media access to scenes of disasters, criminal investigations,
emergencies, and other law enforcement activities.
334.1.1 RELEASE OF INFORMATION TO MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS
Department personnel will make every reasonable effort to provide the public with information
on the administration of criminal justice via the news media. The Fremont Police Department will
strive to cooperate fully and impartially with news media representatives in their efforts to gather
factual public information pertaining to the activities of the department, as long as these activities
do not unduly interfere with departmental operation, infringe upon individual rights, or violate the
law. Information will be provided in a timely manner and, whenever reasonably possible, within
the deadline constraints of the print and electronic media.
Press releases covering the goals, plans, policies, or administrative affairs, or statements clarifying
a major issue or relating to a departmental investigation involving department personnel only, shall
be made by the Chief of Police or by any designated employee after approval of the Chief of Police.
334.1.2 DEFINITIONS
Public Information - Information that may be of interest to the general public regarding policy,
procedures, or events involving the department, or other newsworthy information that is not legally
protected, does not unduly interfere with the mission of the department, infringe upon the rights
of a defendant, or compromise the legitimate safety and privacy interests of officers, victims,
witnesses, or others.
Press Information Officer (PIO) - The department's P.I.O. serves as a central source of
information for release by the department and responds to requests for information by the news
media and the community.
334.2 RESPONSIBILITIES
The ultimate authority and responsibility for the release of information to the media shall remain
with the Chief of Police. In situations not warranting immediate notice to the Chief of Police
and in situations where the Chief of Police has given prior approval, Division Commanders,
Watch Commanders, and designated Press Information Officers (PIOs) may prepare and release
information to the media in accordance with this policy and the applicable laws regarding
confidentiality.
334.2.1 GUIDELINES CONCERNING RELEASE OF INFORMATION BY MEMBERS OF THE
POLICE DEPARTMENT
Members of this Department shall follow approved guidelines as set forth herein in providing
information concerning police matters to the press. Situations which involve a question of
relationship with the press and which cannot be satisfactorily resolved by the member, shall be
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referred to a supervisor or manager. Members of the Department should keep in mind that the
release of information to the press is generally in the best interest of the public and the Police
Department.
Reporters may be permitted to interview individuals or witnesses at the scene of a crime, accident,
or incident; however, the individuals being interviewed must not be in custody, and the interview
must not obstruct or interfere with the investigation. Police employees are to refrain from giving
advice to individuals or witnesses about talking to the press. The decision of whether to talk to the
press, or not, is to be left solely to the individual or witness. It is acceptable for police employees to
advise individuals of the presence of the press at a location where there has been a police action.
334.2.2 DUTIES OF THE PRESS INFORMATION OFFICER OR EMPLOYEES ACTING AS
PRESS INFORMATION OFFICER
The Department's PIO is available to:
(a)Assist news personnel in covering routine news stories and when the press arrives at
the scenes of incidents. The news media will not be invited to accompany Department
personnel on any matter that may result in the invasion of a citizen's privacy.
(b)Assist the news media on an on-call basis.
(c)Prepare and distribute news releases.
(d)Arrange for, and assist at, news conferences.
(e)Coordinate and authorize the release of information.
(f)Assist in crisis situations within the agency.
(g)Coordinate the release of authorized information concerning confidential agency
investigations and operations.
(h)Assist the Watch Commander or scene commander with notification of City Council
members and City Manager.
334.3 ACCESS
Authorized media representatives shall be provided access to scenes of disasters, criminal
investigations, emergencies, and other law enforcement activities as required by law.
Access by the media is subject to the following conditions (Penal Code § 409.5(d)):
(a)The media representative shall produce valid press credentials that shall be
prominently displayed at all times while in areas otherwise closed to the public. Media
representatives may not bring or facilitate the transport of an unauthorized person into
a closed area unless it is for the safety of the person.
(b)Media representatives may be prevented from interfering with emergency operations
and criminal investigations.
1.Based upon available resources, reasonable effort should be made to provide a
safe staging area for the media that is near the incident and that will not interfere
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with emergency or criminal investigation operations. All information released
to the media should be coordinated through the PIO or other designated
spokesperson.
(c)No member of this department who is under investigation shall be subjected to media
visits or interviews without the consent of