Policy Text
Communications Page 1 of 1 2/03.0 (REV 10/93)
RELEASE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
The purpose of this order is to o utline the process whereby inf ormation is released to
the public by Communications personnel. I. Policy
Information for the new s media relating to cases or activities of the department
will be released by the media information officer in accordance with General
Order 7/02. This responsibilit y is delegated to the watch super visor or designee
in charge of the Communications Center during non-business hour s as
requested by the media relations officer. The purpose of the ne ws release is to
provide timely information to t he news media concerning newswor thy incidents
while minimizing telephone in quiries to the department.
II. Information to be Released
A. Major crimes; e.g., homici des and robberies involving shooti ngs or injuries
to citizens.
B. Major disturbances. C. Disasters. D. Missing persons involving searches. E. Searches for major criminal offenders. F. Special instructions as nec essary; e.g., possible dangers en countered,
perimeters which must be observ ed, location of command post, an d officer
in charge of scene and/or descrip tion of suspects, if applicabl e.
III. Information Not to be Released
1. Incidents involving bo mbs or bomb threats.
2. Information regardi ng an investigation.
3. Names of victims or suspects unless public assistance is req uired.