I. AUTHORITY

This policy is issued under authority granted to the Chief Probation Officer

II. PURPOSE

The purpose of this policy to establish guidelines for release and dissemination of public information to news media agencies and/or their representatives.

III. APPLICABILITY

All Probation Department employees.

IV. BACKGROUND

It is the policy of the Probation Department to cooperate fully and impartially with authorized news media representatives in their efforts to gather factual, public information pertaining to activities of the department, as long as these activities do not unduly interfere with departmental operation, infringe upon individual rights or violate the law.

V. GENERAL POLICY

Definitions:

1. Public Information: Information that may be of interest to the general public regarding policy, procedures or events involving the department or other newsworthy information that is not legally protected, does not unduly interfere with the mission of the department, infringe upon the rights of a defendant or compromise the legitimate safety and privacy interests of officers, victims, witnesses or others. 

2.  

   News Media Representatives: Those individuals who are directly employed by agencies of the electronic or print media such as radio, television and newspapers. Freelance workers in this field are to be regarded as other members of the general public unless otherwise designated by the Chief Probation Officer.

General Policy: 

1.  All media inquiries should be directed to the Chief Probation Officer.
2. The Chief Probation Officer will coordinate any information release to news media representatives.  
3. No employee shall identify him or herself as a member of the Probation Department in any communication, verbal or written, with any media outlet without prior approval of the Chief Probation Officer.  
   1.  Employees may speak with the media when participating in on-duty/off-duty community events to highlight the Probation Department’s participation in such events.
4.  Written press statements shall be released only following the approval of the Chief Probation Officer

 

VI. EXCLUSIVITY

This policy will remain in effect until superseded or suspended in writing by the Chief Probation Officer and can be reviewed as needed.