NCJ Number
79617
Journal
ON PATROL IN MANITOBA Volume: 8 Issue: 3 Dated: (Fall 1981) Pages: 5-7
Date Published
1981
Length
3 pages
Annotation
This Canadian journal article discusses police-media relations and offers 13 guidelines for police in dealing with the media on a day-to-day basis.
Abstract
The article urges police officers never to talk to the media unless they have something to say. When speaking to a reporter, police officers should respond to the reporter's question and stick to the story. Officers should remember that the reporter represents the public; they should keep control of the interview but always be polite. If the police have a story to give the media, all local media should be contacted; exclusives should not be given. In addition officers should remember the listener and the reader and should stay away from using technical jargon. Other guidelines concern awareness of biases and assumptions, understanding of the limitations under which media people work, confidential areas, and precautions against insults and misrepresentation.