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Media Relations

The Police1 Media Relations topic page gives PIOs or other department spokespeople the tools and techniques to increase your effective communications with various media entities and help to shape the public’s perception of its cops.

A 10-step response strategy for public information officers when faced with a viral news story
A detailed analysis of the Uvalde incident unveils critical flaws in active shooter response, offering vital insights for law enforcement agencies nationwide
Strategies for effective information dissemination and maintaining public trust during major incidents
Enhancing community safety through proactive communication planning
Officer Natalie Garcia seeks to bring effective communication and transparency to the department as its new PIO, with a unique understanding of the community she serves
One of the trickiest parts of police public relations is understanding the gap between police culture and the world of the average citizen
“Long gone are the days of don’t say anything until we know everything.”
In an excerpt from his book, “The Essential Crisis Communications Plan,” author Tim O’Brien details how a public safety agency can assess the effectiveness of its communications
Confronting bad news head-on is the best way to maintain public trust
Regardless of where an incident occurs, agencies invariably face inquiries from community members and the media about their preparedness and response
“If the police are the people, and the people are the police, this is a week for everyone to embrace.”
Public Affairs Director Nelly Miles shares communication strategies with Julie Parker in response to the Ahmaud Arbery video
Julie Parker speaks with Deputy Chief Chris Covelli of the Lake County (Ill.) Sheriff’s Office about the media response to the shooting that left 7 dead and 30 wounded
Being the voice of your agency is an incredible challenge but one that you can use to build trust even through difficult times
Today, more than ever, every public safety agency must strive to be the trusted source of legitimate, truthful and timely information
Yes, police chiefs and PIOs can build trusting relationships with local and national media that are beneficial to the department and the community they serve
To protect the freedom of the press, law enforcement must handle uncertain situations with the utmost care and professionalism
Now more than ever, law enforcement agencies across the country are searching for ways to pull back the curtain on their day-to-day operations
By now every officer should be trained in crowd control so that a group of them can form anytime to address a violent crowd in the early stages of its development
A well-written news release should look, feel and read like a news article
The suspect agreed to release his hostage on one condition: a news crew would broadcast his complaints
Follow these five steps for improving police interaction with the media
The on-site commander, according to DPS Director Steven McGraw, thought “they had time to organize,” but McGraw said this “was the wrong decision”
Research shows the contagion effect is real and news media coverage is impacting the decisions of potential killers
The decision could allow people to sue officers who interfere with bystanders trying to record them
Sometimes, police need to share disturbing pictures or video on social media to catch criminals, but content moderation is a tricky subject. Here’s what agencies need to know
Police say the page provides transparency without disclosing personal information
Retired Pittsburgh Police Chief Robert McNeilly, Jr., has written an operator’s manual for developing and managing effective police forces on any scale