Most media inquiries should be referred to SIB. However, this does not prohibit statements by field personnel regarding specific incidents in which they were personally involved. Media inquiries related to a specific community or area of responsibility (AOR) can be directed to the relevant station captain or the relevant captain’s designee, but notification along with the content of the information provided shall be provided to SIB. All other media inquiries, including those that impact the Department as a whole, should be referred to SIB.
The highest-ranking supervisor or their designee at an incident location shall act as the Department’s spokesperson. Once a representative of SIB is on scene as a PIO, that PIO will guide and facilitate any responses as a liaison to the media.
When the case or incident is one in which a detective division assignment is involved, the ranking detective division officer, or their designee at the scene, shall take over as press liaison officer in the absence of a representative from SIB. Once a representative of SIB is on scene, that SIB representative will assume the role of press liaison officer.
When Department members do engage with the media they:
Shall cooperate with media representatives in a consistent, impartial, and timely manner consistent with Department policies and applicable laws.
Shall conduct themselves in a professional, respectful, and courteous manner when interacting with members of the media, ensuring that all communications reflect the Department’s commitment to transparency, accuracy, and public trust.
Shall not use the media as a means of personal publicity.
Any questions or uncertainties concerning Department statements shall be resolved by contacting SIB and the Department Communications Director.