doc_2646348

WINDERMERE POLICE DEPARTMENT GENERAL ORDER This order consists of the following: 1. Purpose 2. Policy 3. Definitions 4. Procedures 1. Purpose The purpose of this policy is to outline guidelines for how information is distributed to the media and the public for all members of the Windermere Police Department. 2. Policy It shall be the policy of the Windermere Police Department to provide accurate and timely information to the news media and the public , provided such information does not jeopardize active investigations, prejudice the accused’s right to a fair trial , or violate the law. Members of the Windermere Police Department who speak to the media about agency matters shall confirm that they do so by this order. Additionally, the release of public records shall be per FS 119 “Public Records” and Article I, Section 24 , of the Florida Constitution. 3. Defini tions A. Exempt Records – Certain records are not subject to public access by FS 119.071 . Intentionally f ailing to release a record that is not exempt can be a criminal violation of law under FS 119.10 . All personnel who interact with the media or who are tasked with releasing information to the public shall comply with Florida Public Records law. B. Public Records – All documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, films, sound recordings, data processing software, or other material, regardless of Effective Date: September 22, 2022  Rescinds  Amends  New Policy Number: 13.1 SUBJECT : Media Relations Print Date: 0 9/22/22 Distribution: All Personnel Review Month : September 13.1 , Page 2 the physical form, characteristics, or means of transmission, made or received under law or ordinance or in connection with the transaction of official business by any agency. FS 119.011 C. Criminal Investigative Information – Information concerning an identifiable person or group of persons compiled by a criminal justice agency in the course of conducting a criminal investigation of a specific act or omi ssion, including, but not limited to, information derived from laboratory tests , reports of inves tigators or informants, or any surveillance. Such information is considered “active” as long as it is related to an ongoing investigation that is continuing with reasonable, good faith anticipation of securing an arrest or prosecution in the foreseeable f uture or is directly related to pending prosecutions or appeals. Active criminal investigative information is exempt from public disclosure but may be released with the permission of the investigator or agency member assigned to the case . Once this infor mation is released to any member of the public, it loses its exempt status. Criminal investigative information excludes the following, which may be disclosed: 1. Time, date, location , and nature of a reported crime. 2. Name, sex, age , and arrestee’s address (unless a qualified juvenile). 3. Name, sex, age , and address of the crime victim (unless a victim of child abuse or a sex offense). 4. Time, date , and location of the incident and arrest. 5. The crime charged. 6. Documents given or required to be given to the arrestee (unless an exemption applies, such as the identity of the victim of a sex offense or unless the court orders otherwise). D. Criminal Intelligence Information – Information concerning an identifiable person or group of persons c ompiled by a criminal justice agency to anticipate , prevent, or monitor possible illegal activity. Such information shall be considered “active” as long as it is related to intelligence gathering conducted with a reasonable, good faith belief that it will lead to the detection of ongoing or reasonably anticipated criminal act ivities or is di rectly related to pending prosecutions or appeals. Active criminal intelligence information is exempt from public disclosure. Criminal intelligence information excludes the following, which may be disclosed: 1. Time, date, location , and nature of a rep orted crime. 13.1 , Page 3 2. Name, sex, age , and arrestee’s address (unless a qualified juvenile). 3. Name, sex, age , and address of the crime victim (unless a victim of child abuse or a sex offense). 4. Time, date , and location of the incident and arrest. 5. The crime charged. 6. Documents given or required to be given to the arrestee (unless an exemption applies, such as the identity of the victim of a sex offense or unless the court orders otherwise). 4. Procedures A. Primary Duties of the Public Information Officer (PIO) 1. The r elease of police -related information to the public and news media is the responsibility of the Chief of Police , who serves as the Windermere Police Department’s PIO unless otherwise assigned to a member of Command Staff. [1.06 -(A)] 2. Assist the media in covering news stories and crime scenes, including access restrictions. [1.06 -(B)] 3. Being available for on-call responses to the news media. [1.06 -(C)] 4. Preparing and distributing agency media releases, including social media. [1.06 -(D)] 5. Arranging for and assisting at news conferences. [1.06 -(E)] 6. Coordinating and authorizing the release of information about victims, witnesses, and suspects. [1