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Newport News Police Department
b. When mobile television or radio transmitting units arrive at the scene, operators shall be directed
to go on foot to the PIO to receive assistance in determining the most strategic location to place
the vehicles. Department personnel will help advance such mobile units to that location.
c. Situation briefings may be provided on scene. The PIO or the highest-ranking officer in charge
will conduct these briefings. [54.1.1(d)]
d. Requests for information regarding any investigation that are not be provided at the scene should
be directed to the PIO for follow-up.
10. Requesting withholding of publication.
News/Media personnel may photograph or report anything they observe when legally present at an
emergency scene. Where publication of such coverage would interfere with an official investigation
or place a victim, suspect or others in jeopardy, the withholding of publication is dependent upon a
cooperative press, not upon censorship by the Department. Upon such circumstances, officers should
advise the PIO of the possible consequences of publication; however, officers may not interfere with
the media’s activities as long as that performance remains within the confines of the law.
C. Department personnel are encouraged to notify the PIO of events or actions taken by department
personnel or civilians that may provide an opportunity for a positive human interest news story. In these
types of incidents timeliness is most important.
D. Media input into Public Information Policies [54.1.2]
This policy is made available to the media on the department’s website and upon request. Unsolicited
feedback regarding this policy will be reviewed by the PIO. Periodically, the PIO may solicit policy
feedback from the media when developing public information policies and procedures.
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