This page uses extracted PDF text. Text can misread numbers, dates or table columns. Check the PDF before quoting or interpreting it. Redacted areas remain redacted.
Newport News Police Department
4. The PIO shall also be notified of any incident or event that the watch commander deems necessary,
or upon the arrival of news media to an incident. [41.2.5; 41.2.6(d)]
5. Department personnel are responsible for ensuring that the PIO is advised of all interesting or
newsworthy events occurring within their purview.
NOTE: Any time a department employee is questioned or interviewed by the media, they should
attempt to notify the PIO before the interview. If the PIO cannot be reached, the employee
will notify their commander, who may authorize them to speak to the media, handle the
interview themselves, or decline the interview. If an interview is conducted, the written
notification of what was covered in the interview will be sent to the PIO immediately, so
they can prepare for follow up inquiries.
6. The PIO shall be responsible for the arrangements and coordination of any media conferences as
requested by the Chief of Police, or his designee. [54.1.1(d)]
B. Release of Information to Media by Police Personnel [54.1.1(c,e)]
1. The release of information on incidents involving other city, state or federal agencies will be
conducted by the agency having primary jurisdiction. [54.1.1(f)]
2. The PIO is responsible for preparing and distributing agency news releases to include breaking and
routine news information during normal business hours. If media representatives contact the
Communications Division regarding breaking news issues, they may be given basic information (type
of case reported and location block) by an available Communications supervisor and referred to the
on call PIO. [54.1.1(b)]
3. Routine Media Inquiries
a. For daily news inquiries, media representatives should contact the PIO during normal working
hours.
b. All day-to-day requests for information, interviews of department personnel (including the Chief
of Police) shall be scheduled through the PIO during normal working hours.
4. During incidents, the media may have access to the following information: [54.1.1(d)]
a. Known facts and circumstances relating to the crime that will not hinder or prejudice the
investigation (e.g., the time and place of arrest).
b. A description of the suspects, if known. A suspect may not be identified by name until he has been
formally charged with the commission of a crime, or a warrant has been served.
c. The nature, substance or text of the charges brought against the suspect, including a brief
description of the offense.
d. The identity of the investigating and/or arresting officer provided such information does not
jeopardize or compromise personnel assigned to undercover operations.
e. The limited release of victim(s) name and residence city. Consideration of the victim’s safety and
the integrity of the investigation on prosecution of a case will be prioritized. If releasing the name
of the victim may present safety or security issues, their names will not be released. Typically,
the department only releases the names of deceased victims and missing persons. The
department will not release the names of any victims of sexual offenses or juveniles unless the
names are publicly available in court filings, or the department has received written consent from
the victim/guardian.
f. The identity of a deceased victim after the family has been notified.
1) Supervisors who want to restrict the release of victim information must notify the PIO.
2) The identity of any juvenile whose death results from any crime (in accordance with § 19.2-
11.2 Code of Virginia) will not be released unless written consent has been provided by the
next of kin.
OPS-620 - 2 of 5 – 08/10/2026Jump to an indexed page (5 of 5)