Policy Text
University of California, San Francisco
Polic e Department General Orders
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2.7 Public Information and Community Relations: Public Information
2.7.3 News Media Relations (Revised: 2/6/25 )
A. The Public Information Officer ( PIO) function encompasses:
1. Assist ing news media staff with cover age of routine stories and unusual
occurrences
2. Prepar ing and distribut ing news releases, as directed
3. Arranging for and assisting at news conferences
4. Coordinating and authorizing the release of information about victims, witnesses
and suspects
5. Coordinating and authorizing the release of information concerning confidential
agency investigations and operations.
B. It is the responsibility of all personnel to cooperate with those who gather and report the
news. Cooperation does not require disclosure that is not in compliance with this policy.
C. The duties of the PIO are handled by the UCSF Office of Communications, which has the
authority to speak publicly on behalf of the Chief of Police.
D. The UCSF Office of Communications will coordinate the dissemination of public
information to the media concerning disasters, special events, unusual occurrences and
significant Police Department operations.
E. Frequency of Dissemination of In formation to the Media
During major incidents, the Office of Communications will obtain approval from the Chief
of Police or designee on the frequency and content of media releases. Information shall be
released to the media after it has been organized and determined to be of importance to the
media by the Chief of Police or designee. All disseminated information will be made
available to all media sources on an equal basis. Methods for disseminating information
include:
1. Printed press releases faxed or emailed to the Office of Communications
2. Dissemination during formalized press conferences
3. Police incident reports provided to the Office of Communications
4. Media interviews with a spokesperson from the Office of Communications
5. Printed Police Department or UCSF web -based publications.
F. Actions of the Media at Major Crime /Activity Scene
1. At the direction of the Incident Commander, the Office of Communications will
coordinate media protocol at the scene of a major crime or activity.
2. The scene supervisor has the authority to restrict media access when:
a. The property owner requests that media be excluded
University of California, San Francisco
Polic e Department General Orders
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b. There is a possibility that evidence will be damaged, tampered with or
removed from the scene of a crime and the investigation will be hampered
c. During a tactical police operation, the media’s presence would disrupt
operations or place a citizen or an officer in substantial risk of injury or loss
of life.
3. The Medical Examiner can restrict entry to the scene of a death to pres erve
evidence.
4. News media staff shall not be denied access to an area solely because of the
possibility of injury or death to those individuals. If this possibility is the only
reason to deny access, they should be advised of the danger and then allowed to
decide independently whether or not to enter the area.
G. Guidelines for Recognizing or Revoking Media Credentials
1. The Police Department will not issue formal media credentials.
2. Media staff that interfere or jeopardize public safety or police activities shall be
brought to the attention of the Chief of Police.
3. Any Department personnel having a complaint regarding the conduct of a news
media representative should write a memora ndum to the Chief of Police. The Chief
of Police will initiate the appropriate investigation. The assigned investigator will
forward the results of the investigation to the Chief of Police, with a
recommendation for appropriate action. The Office of Commun ications shall be
consulted if a determination is made that the complaint should be brought to the
attention of appropriate management of the news media organization.
4. The Chief of Police shall determine what, if any, action shall be taken against the
offender, including notification of his/her employer.
H. Departmental Policy Changes Concerning the Media
If a change to the Police Department policy or procedure concerning the news media is
being made, representatives from the various media will be encouraged to participate in
the development of the new policy or procedure.
1. The Chief of Police or designee will meet annually with the Office of
Communications to review media policies and procedures.