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54A - Public Information & the News Media <br /> <br /> <br /> <br />Policy & Procedure Page 2 of 8 <br />It is the policy of the Lexington Police Department to: <br /> <br />• Inform the community through the news media of events within the public <br />domain that are handled by or involve the department. <br />• Be committed to integrity and accuracy of all public statements. <br /> <br />PROCEDURES <br /> <br />A. Public Information Officer (PIO) <br /> <br />1. The Chief of Police, or a designee, will act as the official spokesman for the <br />department in conducting and maintaining an active liaison with the news media. <br /> <br />2. Under the general direction and control of the Chief of Police, a Public <br />Information Officer (PIO) shall be appointed whose functional responsibilities will <br />include: <br /> <br />a. Assisting news personnel in covering routine news stories; <br />b. Being available for on-call responses to the news media; <br />c. Preparing and distributing agency news releases; <br />d. Arranging for, and assisting at news conferences; <br />e. Coordinating and authorizing the release of information about victims, <br />suspects and witnesses; [54.1.1(d)] <br />f. Assisting in crisis situations within the agency; <br />g. Coordinating and authorizing the release of information concerning <br />confidential agency investigations and operations.[54.1.1(e)] <br />h. Advising the news media of departmental policies. <br /> <br />3. Other public service agencies involved in a mutual effort: (e.g. mutual efforts <br />involving the Lexington Fire Department, another police agency, the Medical <br />Examiner’s Office, the District Attorney’s Office, etc.) Absent special <br />circumstances, direct media inquiries will be the responsibility of the agency <br />requesting mutual aid. Any instances involving death or the potential of the loss <br />of life will be referred to the District Attorney’s Office. <br /> <br />B. Press Briefings & News Releases <br /> <br />1. Day-to-Day Press Releases. The PIO shall be responsible for the routine weekly <br />release of information on crimes, incidents, emergencies and department <br />operations and programs. <br /> <br />2. News Releases. When need arises and time permits during or after a major crime <br />or incident the PIO, under the direction of the Chief of Police or his/her designee, <br />will prepare and cause to be disseminated department news releases. This <br />information shall be made available at the police station to all of the various news <br />outlets. <br />