Law Enforcement Agency Survival in Shark Infested Waters

Hours: 6
Tuition: $95

Program Information:

Dealing with the media as a law enforcement administrator or supervisor can be most challenging when balancing the interests of your organization with that of your community. This 6 hour program will provide an overview of the media world and how law enforcement, Chief/Sheriffs and Command Staff should handle those sensitive and controversial stories? Program attendees will learn ways in which law enforcement can better interact and co-exist with media personnel which have their respective organizational goals and objectives.

Topics include:

• Does law enforcement have an identity problem?  Is it a local phenomenon or a national issue?  Is it politically driven or simply a case of shooting oneself in the foot?

• Television has changed the rules of engagement.  TV is the most demanding, most persistent, and the most damaging form of the media that law enforcement will ever face.  How should police departments handle this situation?  Since law enforcement is also a “business,” how should it market itself?  Will the media cover proactive events?  Must law enforcement always be reactive in dealing with the media?

• Why should there be an open dialogue with the media?  What do law enforcement agencies gain by being cooperative, especially when the story is ugly?  Should police departments simply take their lumps, ignore the media, and go about their business?

• What information should be disseminated to the media, and what should remain confidential?  Is it necessary for your department to have a written policy concerning contact or exchange of information with the media?  

• What is the best way for you to make sure you get your message across to the public?  What is the reporter looking for?  Can a TV camera crew be controlled?  What is the ideal camera shot for you?

• What do you do when a reporter is really out in left field with the story he just did on the 4:00 news about you and your department?

**Cancellations for this class must be received by SLEA 35 days prior to the start of the program in order to avoid being billed!**

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