The Police and the Press

You are the community relations officer for a police department.  There have been several recent incidents involving poor police communication with members of the press, as well as some issues with unethical reporting on certain police involved incidents.  In order to clear the air and establish the proper procedures in writing, you are to write a 500-750-word memorandum to the local press organizations that clearly states the following:

1. The responsibilities of the press in ethical reporting.
2. The responsibilities of the police department in its dissemination of public information. Include what types of information are releasable, and what are not. 
3. Explain the department’s commitment to safeguarding individuals’ constitutional rights to privacy while also adhering to state laws regarding the public’s “right to know.” 

Be sure to cite three to five relevant scholarly sources in support of your content. Use only sources found at government websites or those provided in Topic Materials.