Policy Text
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER
A-16: PUBLIC INFORMATION
Effective Date: 22 Feb 23
Coordinator: Public Information Office
Page 1 of 10
The purpose of this orde r is to provide guidelines for media releases and media access to
scenes of natural disasters, criminal investigations, emergencies and other law
enforcement activities .
COMMAND INTENT
The Department values the role of a free press and is committed to transparency in
releasing public information both to the media and through direct -to-the public means
such as social media. Incumbent in the Department’s mission, however, is also a
respo nsibility to act as a custodian of confidential information which may impact the
statutory or constitutional rights of crime victims, arrestees, the public, or Department
Personnel. This policy provides guidance to members on releasing information to the
media.
A. POLICY
A - 1. General Media Relations
Members shall respect the freedom of the press. Media representatives shall
be treated in a fair and impartial manner.
A - 2. Assistance to Credentialed Media
Reasonable efforts shall be made to assist credentialed media representatives
in reporting news in accordance with Departmental policy and procedures. To
the extent practical, the Department’s Public Information Officer (PIO) shall
be utilized to respond to, and coordinate media responses to reque sts for
information and interviews .
A - 3. Media Input to Departmental Policy and Procedures on Public
Information
In order to maintain an effective and cooperative working relationship
between the Department and media personnel, media representatives may
provide input to the development of Departmental policies and procedures
relating to the public information function .
A - 4. Ultimate Authority to Release Information
The ultimate authority and responsibility for the release of information to the
media shall remain with the Chief of Police. The Chief of Police has given
prior approval to the Public Information Officer (PIO) to prepare and release
information to the media in accordan ce with this policy and the applicable
law.
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER A-16 Effective Date
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT 22 Feb 23
Page 2 of 10 A - 5. Release of Information when the PIO is Unavailable
In the event the PIO is not available the Watch Commander, Commander,
Supervisor, Investigator or Patrol Desk Officer may release information in
accordance wi th this policy .
B. PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
B - 1. Role and Assignment
The PIO shall act as liaison between the Department and the media and is the
spokesperson/coordinator of the Department’s response to the media . The
PIO is assigned to the Office of the Chief of Police.
B - 2. Duties and Responsibilities
The PIO shall respond to questions from the media or refer them to the
responsible person or agency. Duties of the PIO include, but are not limited
to:
1. Assist ing news personnel in covering routine stories and at incident
scenes ;
2. Coordinat ing, with unit commanders and assigned investigators, the
release of designated public information ;
3. Prepar ing and distribut ing press releases and media advisories ;
4. Arranging and stage -manag ing news conferences held by the Department ;
5. Review ing media pass applications and annual renewals, and issu ing
temporary media passes ;
6. Assist ing other City agencies and departments at news conferences, as
directed by the Chief of Police ;
7. Actively seek ing newsworthy or interesting facts about Department
personnel and programs and issu ing proactive, positive stories about the
Department and its members ;
8. Coordinat ing the release of authorized information concerning
confidential Departmental investigations and operations ; and
9. Maintain ing communications with field/incident commanders during
major incidents and natural disasters .
B - 3. PIO Information Release Responsibilities
Information to be referred to and/or released by the PIO includes:
1. All in quiries relating to Department policy;
DEPARTMENTAL GENERAL ORDER A-16 Effective Date
OAKLAND POLICE DEPARTMENT 22 Feb 23
Page 3 of 10 2. Criticisms of the Department that require an official response;
3. Police investigations that may have legal ramifications for the
Department; and
4. Requests to film or audio record police facilities and/or members for the
purpose of advertising, television/film productions and all social media
platforms .
C. POLICE INTERACTIONS WITH MEDIA
C - 1. Media Requests
The Department shall strive for the prompt release of information to the
public, through the media, on matters affecting public safety .
Prior to releasing any information to the media, members shall consider the
following :
1. Media requests for information or interviews should be coordinated
through the PIO when practical ;
2. Members may answer general inquiries from the media or public
regarding law enforcement activities. Members answering inquiries
regarding specific criminal investigations shall follow the guidelines set
forth in Government Code Section s 7923 .600-7923.655 . Members shall
never represent opinion as fac t; and
3. Members may elect to refer press or public inquiries to the PIO or their
supervisor and should do so if uncertain about what information can or
cannot be released .
C - 2. Media Credentials and Parking Passes
The Chief of Police may issue pr ess cards and/or press parking passes to
specific media representatives in accordance with Oakland Municipal Code
Section 5.70.010.
D. MEDIA ACCESS TO CRIME SCENES OR WHERE LAW ENFORCEMENT
ACTIVITY IS OCCURRING
D -