54A-Public Information and News Media - 2019

Browse Search

Policy & Procedure Page 1 of 8 Lexington Police Department Subject: Public Information & The News Media Policy Number: 54A Accreditation Standards: Reference: 54.1.1; 54.1.3; 82.1.1 Effective Date: 3/11/13  New  Revised Revision Dates: 1/24/19 By Order of: Mark J. Corr, Chief of Police The Municipal Police Institute, Inc. (MPI) is a private, nonprofit charitable affiliate of the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association. MPI provides training and model policies and procedures for police agencies. This policy is an edited version of past MPI Policy, previously incorporated by the Lexington Police. GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS AND GUIDELINES The news media, including newspapers, radio, television and the internet – is one of the most effective tools by which citizens can learn about police activity in the community. Residents have a right to know and the media has a right to distribute news and information that help residents maintain their sense of safety and security. It is difficult to define the relationship that should exist between members of the police department and representatives of the news media but it should include a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect. The Police Department should freely and openly provide all legitimate news items to the media and should expect in return a fair presentation of the facts. The openness with which the department will provide information must be tempered by the legal responsibility to protect individual rights and the necessity to maintain confidentiality where appropriate. Because of the nature of police service, there are times and circumstances when it is necessary to temporarily limit and control the flow of information to the public. Many criminal cases under investigation by the police are of such a nature and character that they must be kept confidential. Great care must also be taken to avoid prejudicial pre- trial publicity that could impede the prosecution of criminals. The responsibility for protecting the constitutional guarantees of both the accused and the community is shared equally by the police and the news media. Because of its capability, the news media can be utilized by the police as a public service to dispel rumors and to calm community fears in the event of a major disaster, public disorder or serious crime. The news media is also the most effective channel available to the police to inform the public of community problems while enlisting the support of community members.