NCJ Number
170765
Journal
Security Management Volume: 41 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1997) Pages: 115-119
Date Published
1997
Length
5 pages
Annotation
Being prepared to deal with the media can help a company cope with a natural disaster, workplace violence incident, or other incident without the added damage that misinformation can produce with respect to potential litigation or the company image.
Abstract
Some security managers may think that the best solution is to avoid contact with the media. However, working with reporters gives the organization an opportunity to tell its side of the story and to present background information that may give the reporter a different perspective on the story. Cooperating with the press may also prevent reporters from seeking out secondary sources. In addition, ignoring bad news will not make it go away. Organizations should have a carefully developed media relations plan that is based on a risk assessment and carried out by the company's crisis management team. This plan should include a trained team of spokespersons, liaisons with public and private agencies, an established media center, and a marketing strategy. Life and safety considerations are always the top priority in a crisis or disaster, but security managers should not overlook the importance of safeguarding the organization's reputation.