NCJ Number
145248
Journal
Law and Order Volume: 41 Issue: 10 Dated: (October 1993) Pages: 94-96
Date Published
1993
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Police departments do not have the budgets to sponsor extensive media campaigns, but they can and do conduct effective public relations activities.
Abstract
Traditionally, a police department's public information officer was either the police chief or a police officer delegated to the position because no one else wanted the job. More recently, however, police departments have realized that they need to generate positive publicity on a regular basis. For example, a story about a police officer who saved the life of an accident victim is a newsworthy story that can improve a police department's relations with the community. The ideal situation is for a police department to hire a media professional. If resources are not available, an individual within the police organization can be designated who has good communication skills and can be trained in the basics of public relations work. While newspapers are the most accessible medium for public relations material, local television stations are also outlets for positive messages about a police department.