MEDIA MANAGEMENT IN CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION The pnp media relations policy Knowing and understanding the media. Policies on media relations. pnp-media protocol during crisis situation. Creating positive side of an incident/use of statistics
The procedures in releasing: Criminal and non-criminal matters Soco/crime scene information Intelligence and investigative matters
.By PO3 Francisco B. Lindero, Jr
Learning Goal • enhance understanding how to properly handle media personnel during investigation and other police work identification and location of suspects releasing public information limits of disclosure of information.
Learning Objectives 1. Define media-related terms 2. Know the types, qualities and role of media 3. Know the proper decorum in dealing with the media 4. Aware of the Media Policy/Guidelines 5. Know how to make press releases and calls 6. Know how to handle the media 7. How to utilize the media in investigation 8. How to handle media in times of crisis situation
HOW THE POLICE AND THE ?MEDIA VIEW EACH OTHER
TRUE OR FALSE? MEDIA ALWAYS GIVE THE POLICE AN OPPORTUNITY TO PRESENT THEIR SIDE IN EVERY STORY THAT MENTIONS THE PNP. POLICE ALWAYS GIVE THE MEDIA ACCESS TO TIMELY AND ACCURATE INFORMATION IN EVERY STORY THAT CONCERNS THE PNP.
TRUE OR FALSE? TRUTH IS ALWAYS MEDIA’S FIRST REQUIREMENT IN WRITING NEWS. TRUTH IS THE PRIMORDIAL CONSIDERATION OF THE POLICE IN DISSEMINATING INFORMATION.
TRUE OR FALSE? THE MEDIA DO NOT INTERFERE WITH POLICE INVESTIGATION AND ALWAYS WAIT UNTIL THE POLICE FINISH ITS INVESTIGATION. THE POLICE ARE ALWAYS TRANSPARENT WHEN DEALING WITH THE MEDIA.
TRUE OR FALSE? MEDIA ALWAYS OBSERVE FAIRNESS, GIVE EQUAL SPACE AND/OR TIME TO ALL SIDE SPECIALLY IN CONTROVERSIAL ISSUES. THE MEDIA’S PRESENCE DURING POLICE INVESTIGATION IS TOTALLY AN INTERFERENCE TO POLICE WORK.
TRUE OR FALSE? MEDIA DO NOT LET THEIR INDIVIDUAL BIASES GET INTO THEIR WORK. THE POLICE ALWAYS OBSERVE COURTESY IN DEALING WITH THE MEDIA.
TRUE OR FALSE? MEDIA ALWAYS EXTEND COVERAGE TO COMMUNITY POLICING AS MUCH AS TO CRIME FIGHTING. POLICE DO NOT HAVE INDIVIDUAL BIASES AND FAVORITISM WHEN IT COMES TO RELEASING INFORMATION.
TRUE OR FALSE? MEDIA GIVE LESS FOCUS ON THE NEGATIVE ASPECTS OF LAW ENFORCEMENT AND MORE ON ITS PROGRAM AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS. POLICE ALWAYS TOLERATE MEDIA’S BIASES, EXCESSES OR IDIOSYNCRASIES.
TRUE OR FALSE? WHENEVER MEDIA MAKE MISTAKES, THEY RECTIFY THEIR ERRORS IMMEDIATELY AND VOLUNTARILY. WHENEVER THE MEDIA MAKE MISTAKES, THE POLICE DO NOT TAKE OFFENSE IF THE ERRORS WERE NOT RECTIFIED IMMEDIATELY.
TRUE OR FALSE? TRADITIONALLY, POLICE AND MEDIA GET ALONG VERY WELL. THE POLICE READILY ADMIT ITS MISTAKES TO THE MEDIA.
TRUE OR FALSE? THE POLICE AND THE MEDIA NEED EACH OTHER TO BETTER SERVE PUBLIC INTEREST. THE MEDIA AND THE POLICE SHARE A COMMON OBJECTIVE – TO SERVE THE PUBLIC.
PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT
HOW THE POLICE AND THE MEDIA THINK OF EACH ?OTHER
PEOPLE IN GOVERNMENT
…POLICE THINK OF media
ignorant… intimidating… arrogant…… inaccurate… sensationalize… focus on bad news… oversimply… share anti-security interests… don’t do their homework… don’t use common sense… invade people’s privacy… intentionally hurt people… report events differently than other eyewitnesses
…MEDIA THINK OF THE POLICE
don’t trust the media… don’t permit much… access… expect reporters to know how government operates… don’t know what news is… seem hostile to reporters and their questions… speak in jargon… boring and dull… too late in responding… do not return calls or …text messages
KNOWING AND UNDERSTANDING THE
MEDIA
MEDIA •(Mass media) : a medium of communication (as newspapers, radio, or television) that is designed to reach the mass of the people •(News Media Representative): An individual employed by agencies of the electronics or print media.
DEFINITION OF TERMS Public Information Officer (PIO) – The official authority who serves as a central source of information for release by the PNP and respond to requests for information by the news media and the community. Spokesperson – The officially-designated authority who acts as the mouthpiece of the PNP
DEFINITION OF TERMS Limit of Disclosure – Applies only to limits set by legal requirements (e.g. rights of the accused, status of police operation) Spokesperson – The officially-designated authority who acts as the mouthpiece of the PNP Crisis – A crucial or decisive point or situation in the course of the situation.
TYPES OF MEDIA •PRINT MEDIA (newspapers and magazines) •BROADCAST MEDIA (tv and radio) •ELECTRONIC MEDIA (internet)
ROLE OF MEDIA •INFORM THE PUBLIC •PUBLIC SERVICE •EDUCATE •ENTERTAIN •MAKE MONEY (through advertising)
BASIC QUALITIES OF REPORTERS •SKEPTIC (disbeliever, easily doubts) •ARROGANT (bigheaded, proud, overconfident) •STRAINED (stressed, tensed, worried, nervous) •COMPETITIVE (aggressive, bloodthirsty, ready for action)
UNDERSTANDING THE MEDIA
LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS SHOULD UNDERSTAND THE IMPACT OF THE MEDIA ON POLICE WORK. ALTHOUGH CRITICAL TO THE POLICE, MOST OF THE MEDIA REPORTS ARE OCCASIONALLY JUSTIFIED. IT IS UNFAIR FOR THE POLICE TO STEREOTYPE ALL MEMBERS OF THE PRESS AS ANTI-COP.
PROPER DECORUM IN DEALING WITH THE MEDIA
NEVER, EVER LIE DON’T SPECULATE DON’T AGRUE TALK ONLY ABOUT WHAT YOU KNOW (if you don’t know say so) “NO COMMENT” DOESN’T WORK (the viewer may perceive you are guilty of hiding something)
MEDIA POLICY/GUIDELINES Latest Policies on Media Relations
DO’S AND DON’TS IMMEDIATE CONDUCT OF PRESS CONFERENCES AFTER A MAJOR INCIDENT OR SIGNIFICANT ACCOMPLISHMENT IN RESPECTIVE AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY (at least within two hours from the incident or activity).
DO’S AND DON’TS MEDIA ACCESS TO POLICE BLOTTER Access to PNP documents by the media and the public information are accessible but with caution to the public and the media as maybe indicated in the police blotter Cases covered by RA 9344 (Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2004) Cases covered by RA 8505 (Rape Victim Assistance Protection Act of 1998) – Protects the identities of the victim and suspect (Entry maybe treated as confidential and “for record purposes only” as requested)
DO’S AND DON’TS NON-PRESENTATION OF SUSPECTS TO THE MEDIA Refer to the Memo of the Chief PNP on October 7, 2008 entitled “Policy Prescribing the Presentation or NonPresentation of Suspects to the Media”
DO’S AND DON’TS NO ACCESS OF MEDIA TO CRISIS/CONFLICT AREA It is the responsibility of the PNP to safeguard the lives not only of the victims and suspects but likewise members of the media. News media shall not be allowed access to any area or scene of an incident or crime where there is possibility that evidence maybe damaged, altered, destroyed or otherwise prejudiced by its existence being published or portrayed. Be reminded always that the duty of the media is to inform the public and the duty of the PNP is to ensure the safety of the media and the public.
DO’S AND DON’TS NO LIVE COVERAGE OF ACTUAL CONFLICT SITUATIONS Tactical movements can be easily monitored/pre-empted and in the process pose high risks to our troops and the situation.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
COMMUNICATION
STRATEGIES DURING A CRISIS
COMMUNICATION
STRATEGIES DURING A CRISIS
STONEWALL DENY THAT A CRISIS EXISTS, REFUSE TO ANSWER MEDIA QUESTIONS OR IGNORE THE ISSUE
COMMUNICATION
STRATEGIES DURING A CRISIS
MANAGE THE ISSUE RELEASE PARTIAL INFORMATION OR DELAY INFORMATION WHILE CONCEALING UNFAVORABLE FACTS.
COMMUNICATION
STRATEGIES DURING A CRISIS
OPEN COMMUNICATION POLICY THE MEDIA IS FULLY AND PROMPTLY INFORMED WHILE PROVIDING BACKGROUND INFORMATION TO PUT FACTS INTO PERSPECTIVE. Remember: “a story candidly told, while perhaps embarrassing in its immediate impact, is less damaging than a cover-up version that generates rumors and suspicions.”
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON CRIMINAL MATTERS
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON CRIMINAL MATTERS PNP PERSONNEL SHALL EXTEND EVERY REASONABLE COURTESY TO NEWS MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES AT CRIMES SCENES. THIS MAY INCLUDE CLOSER ACCESS OF PERSONNEL AND EQUIPMENT THAN AVAILABLE TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO THE DEGREE THAT IT DOES NOT INTERFERE WITH THE POLICE MISSION OR THE MOVEMENT OF TRAFFIC.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON CRIMINAL MATTERS AT THE SCENE OF SUCH CRIMES AS HOSTAGE AND BARRICADED SITUATIONS, THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE SHALL DESIGNATE A PRELIMINARY PRESS AREA AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE AND AS CLOSE TO THE SCENE AS SAFETY AND OPERATIONAL REQUIREMENTS ALLOW.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON CRIMINAL MATTERS IN CASES WHERE A SUICIDE OR SUSPECTED SUICIDE HAS OCCURRED, ONLY FACTUAL INFORMATION DESCRIBING HOW THE INCIDENT HAPPENED MAY BE RELEASED TO THE MEDIA.
THE NAME, AGE, SEX, ADDRESS AND OCCUPATION OF THE VICTIM MAY ALSO BE RELEASED BUT ONLY AFTER THE VICTIM’S NEXT OF KIN HAD BEEN DULY INFORMED OF THE INCIDENT. THE FACT THAT A SUICIDE NOTE EXISTS MAY ALSO BE ACKNOWLEDGED WITHOUT FURTHER COMMENT. THE CONTENT OF SUCH NOTES IS PERSONAL AND CONFIDENTIAL AND SHALL NOT BE RELEASED EXCEPT AS PROVIDED BY LAW.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON CRIMINAL MATTERS SUSPECTS OR ACCUSED PERSONS IN CUSTODY SHALL NOT BE POSED OR ARRANGEMENTS MADE FOR PHOTOGRAPHS, TELECASTS OR INTERVIEWS, NOR SHALL DEPARTMENTAL PERSONNEL POSE WITH SUSPECTS OR ACCUSED PERSONS IN CUSTODY UNTIL AFTER INVESTIGATION HAD BEEN CONDUCTED.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON CRIMINAL MATTERS WHEN AN INDIVIDUAL IS CHARGED WITH A CRIMINAL OFFENSE AND IS SOUGHT BY LAW ENFORCEMENT AUTHORITIES, PHOTOGRAPHS OR MUG SHOTS MAY BE RELEASED TO THE MEDIA TO HELP LOCATE THE INDIVIDUAL.
NO DEPARTMENTAL PHOTOGRAPHS, MUG SHOTS, VIDEO TAPE, FILM OR COMPOSITES OF SUBJECTS IN CUSTODY SHALL OTHERWISE BE RELEASED TO THE MEDIA UNLESS AUTHORIZED BY THE DEPARTMENT CHIEF EXECUTIVE OR AUTHORIZED DESIGNEE.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON NON-CRIMINAL MATTERS
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON NON-CRIMINAL MATTERS AT THE SCENE OF SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS, MAN-MADE OR NATURAL CATASTROPHES, THE PRINCIPLES OF MEDIA COOPERATION SHALL BE MAINTAINED TO THE DEGREE THAT THEY DO NOT INTERFERE WITH THE MISSION OF THE POLICE, FIRE, MEDICAL OR OTHER EMERGENCY RELIEF WORKERS.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON NON-CRIMINAL MATTERS MEDIA ACCESS TO AND MOVEMENT WITHIN FIRE LINES SHALL BE CONTROLLED BY THE FIRE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE FIRE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE, THE RANKING POLICE OFFICER AT THE SCENE SHALL ESTABLISH AN OBSERVATION POINT FROM WHICH THE MEDIA MAY OBSERVE AND PHOTOGRAPH THE INCIDENT.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON NON-CRIMINAL MATTERS NEWS MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES SHOULD BE PREVENTED FROM ACCESS TO ANY AREA BECAUSE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF THEIR INJURY OR DEATH.
THE PIO SHOULD EXPLAIN THE CIRCUMSTANCES OF THE SITUATION AND IN CASE THE MEDIA INSIST ENTRY IN THE AREA, THE CONCERNED MEDIA MUST EXECUTE IN WRITING THAT HE WAS INFORMED OF THE RISK AND ACCESS IN THE SAID AREA AS HIS OWN VOLITION.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON NON-CRIMINAL MATTERS DAILY ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY WILL BE MADE AVAILABLE ON A ROUTINE BASIS TO MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES. STATISTICAL REPORTS OF CRIMINAL ACTIVITY WILL ALSO BE MADE AVAILABLE TO THE MEDIA.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON SOCO / CRIME SCENE
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON SOCO/CRIME SCENE THE NEWS MEDIA SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED ACCESS TO ANY AREA OR SCENE OF AN INCIDENT OR CRIME WHERE THERE IS POSSIBILITY THAT EVIDENCE MAY BE DAMAGED, ALTERED, DESTROYED OR OTHERWISE PREJUDICED BY ITS EXISTENCE BEING PUBLISHED OR PORTRAYED.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON SOCO/CRIME SCENE WHEN THE SCENE OF THE CRIME OPERATIVES (SOCO) HAVE FINISHED PROCESSING THE CRIME SCENE AND HAVE SECURED ALL EVIDENCES, MEMBERS OF THE NEWS MEDIA MAY BE ALLOWED TO ENTER THE AREA AND TAKE FOOTAGES/PHOTOGRAPHS OF THE SCENE UPON PERMISSION OF THE COMMANDING OFFICERS OR SOCO TEAM LEADER.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON SOCO/CRIME SCENE RECOVERED/COLLECTED ITEMS/PIECES OF EVIDENCE MAY BE PRESENTED TO THE NEWS MEDIA ONLY AFTER THE SAME HAD BEEN PROCESSED, ACCOUNTED AND TURNED OVER TO THE EVIDENCE CUSTODIAN. ON PRIVATE PROPERTY, PHOTOGRAPHY, FILM OR VIDEO TAPE RECORDING MUST REQUIRE THE PERMISSION OF THE OWNER OR THE OWNER’S REPRESENTATIVE.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON SOCO/CRIME SCENE INFORMATION SUCH AS TYPE AND QUANTITY OF PROPERTY TAKEN DURING ROBBERY INCIDENTS MAY BE RELEASED BY THE SOCO/FIRST RESPONDERS/INVESTIGATORS AT THE CRIME SCENES BUT BEYOND THAT, THE SOCO/FIRST RESPONDERS/INVESTIGATORS MUST AVOID GIVING PREMATURE INFORMATION THAT MAY AFFECT THE RESULT OF THE INVESTIGATION TO THE NEWS MEDIA.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON INTELLIGENCE MATTERS
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON INTELLIGENCE MATTERS WHILE IT IS THE POLICY OF THE PNP TO COOPERATE FULLY WITH THE MEDIA, HOWEVER, IT MAY KEEP FROM THE PRESS THOSE REGARDED AS ACTIVE OR CLASSIFIED SUCH AS “CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE INFORMATION.”
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON NON-INVESTIGATIVE MATTERS
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON NON-INVESTIGATIVE MATTERS
THE PNP ALLOWS THE RELEASE OF INFORMATION OF A GENERAL NATURE WHICH IS NOT SPECIFIC TO AN ONGOING INVESTIGATION.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON INVESTIGATIVE MATTERS
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON INVESTIGATIVE MATTERS FROM INITIAL STAGE OF A CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION UNTIL THE COMPLETION OF TRIAL OR DISPOSITION WITHOUT TRIAL, POLICE PERSONNEL SHALL REFER ALL REQUESTS FOR INFORMATION TO THE HEAD OF OFFICE OR HIS DESIGNEE.
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON INVESTIGATIVE MATTERS INFORMATION THAT MAY BE RELEASED IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTIGATION OF AN EVENT OR CRIME INCLUDES:
THE TYPE OR NATURE OF AN EVENT OR CRIME THE LOCATION, DATE AND TIME, INJURIES SUSTAINED, DAMAGES AND GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF HOW THE INCIDENT OCCURRED. TYPE AND QUANTITY OF PROPERTY TAKEN THE IDENTITY AND APPROXIMATE ADDRESS OF A VICTIM EXCEPT FOR SEX CRIMES OR CASES WHERE INTIMIDATIONS MAY BE EMPLOYED. REQUESTS FOR AID IN LOCATING EVIDENCE, A COMPLAINANT OR A SUSPECT. NUMBERS OF OFFICERS OR PEOPLE INVOLVED IN AN EVENT OR INVESTIGATION AND THE LENGTH OF THE INVESTIGATION. NAME OF THE OFFICER-IN-CHARGE OF A CASE, HIS SUPERVISOR AND DIVISION OR UNIT ASSIGNMENT (EXCEPTION: NAMES OF UNDERCOVER OFFICERS)
PROCEDURES IN RELEASING INFORMATION
ON INVESTIGATIVE MATTERS INFORMATION THAT MAY NOT BE RELEASED IN CONNECTION WITH AN INVESTIGATION OF AN EVENT OR CRIME INCLUDES:
THE IDENTITY OF A SUSPECT PRIOR TO ARREST UNLESS SUCH INFORMATION WOULD AID IN APPREHENDING THE SUSPECT OR SERVE TO WARN THE PUBLIC OF POTENTIAL DANGER. THE IDENTITY OF ANY VICTIM OF SEX CRIME OR ANY RELATED INFORMATION THAT WOULD: Interfere with law enforcement proceedings Deprive a person of the right to a fair trial Constitute an unwanted invasion of privacy rights Reveal the identity of an individual Disclose investigative techniques and procedure Endanger the life or physical safety of a person
NEWS WRITING
DEFINITION OF TERMS
News – It is the reporting of current events by the mass media. Press Release – It is the official statement issued by the PNP to the media.
BASIC RULES ON NEWS WRITING
NEWS WRITING PATTERN/STRUCTURE
News release should answer… WHO? (identifies the person or persons involved in the event) WHAT? (tells what happen) WHY? (the reason for its happening) WHEN? (what day and time the event happened) WHERE? (the place where the event occurred) HOW? (the process and means that made the event possible)
NEWSMAKING EVENTS
Major accomplishments New campaign, major operation Crime incidents Reorganization, new leaders Ceremonies Spending/ Appropriations Irregularity, scandal, misconduct Action taken on an issue
drug pushers arrested in buy bust 2 The anti-drug personnel netted two persons in a buybust operations this morning at the Brgy. Bakhaw, Iloilo City. Jose Fernando, 20, and Mari Mar, 18, were arrested in their house after they handed over a sachet of suspected ‘shabu’ to a police poseur buyer. The suspects were in the drug watchlist of the Police Regional Office 6. The police recovered from the suspects the marked money of two pieces 500 peso bill, three pieces of heat-sealed plastic sachet containing suspected ‘shabu,’ and other drug paraphernalia. A case for violation of RA 9165 is being prepared against the suspect who are detained at the Iloilo City Police Station 1.