The cops and the media

For the past 40 some years in the newspaper business, there has been one constant: The adversarial relationship between the media and the police.
A common phrase in most newsrooms: "Those %^$$*&(*( cops never tell me nuthin.' Or words to that effect.
One can only guess what those in the cop shop say about the media. Also unprintable because this is a family newspaper.
For years, I believe there weren't any written rules, on the relationship between the media and the RCMP. I was wrong.
From the RCMP 'Bible" come the force's Top 10 guidelines in dealing with the media:
#1. You could be a spokesperson. Every RCMP member is a potential spokesperson for their own responsibilities and areas of expertise. Before answering a question, ask yourself, "Am I the right spokesperson for this issue?" If not, find the appropriate person. Remember, if you're a regular member, to wear your uniform in front of the camera.
#2. We're accountable. The Canadian public has a fundamental right to know about RCMP activities and operations. Of course, that information can only be released if it doesn't jeopardize an investigation or court case.
#3. Protect the integrity of an investigation. Never discuss ongoing investigations or matters that might become evidence in court.
#4. Stick to Force policy. Weigh your particular media enquiry against the bigger picture. Remember that what you say could have regional or national impact.
#5. Be open, honest and ethical. Your reputation, and that of the Force, is on the line.
#6. Feed the media. Provide as much information as possible. Be up-front, helpful and proactive.
#7. Withhold personal information. Withhold the names of deceased or injured until next-of-kin are notified. Never reveal the names of suspects before charges have been laid. Offer no comment without saying "No comment."
#8. Don't discuss classified information. If you can't respond to a question, tell the reporter why.
#9. Don't be critical. Never criticize another police agency or peace officer, the media, provincial or federal legislation, or government department.
#10 Stick to the facts. Do not comment on hypothetical questions. Don't speculate and think very carefully before expressing your personal opinions.

Besides the Top 10 rules, following is what the RCMP 'Bible' says about its relationship with "Joe or Joan Reporter": "The media are playing an ever-increasing role in shaping the way people feel about the RCMP. So much so, in fact, that it has influenced how we conduct operations and handle crises. With this in mind, knowing how to communicate through the media is vital to the Force's credibility as a whole and to members individually. It can also prove valuable to an investigation or operation.
"But media relations is sometimes misunderstood and feared. We're often suspicious of journalists. But none of us should be afraid of them. Instead, we must approach the media as potential partners, as vehicles to communicate with the public we serve.
"This new-found wisdom is partly a result of having adopted community policing, which relies heavily on public support, consultation and mutual understanding. The media act as both interpreters and spokespersons for their communities. With this in mind, it is to our advantage to have an open relationship with them.
"The public and the media are no longer willing to passively accept our services. They have questions and they want answers; they need reliable information and it is up to us to provide it. A free flow of information to and from the public is crucial to community policing. We must allow communities to get to know us better -- our interests, our abilities, our contributions and our limitations. Our challenge is to work with the media -- and encourage them to work with us.
Within this community policing approach, every member of the RCMP is a potential spokesperson. You may, at some point, be required to speak to the media. This handbook is for you. It provides information about the media, tips on how to work with them to mutual benefit, and ideas on how to develop productive relationships.
The 'Bible' went on to reiterate that conflicts between the RCMP and the media often stem from a lack of understanding. Why? Because reporters sometimes feel the Force is trying to cover something up, and RCMP employees sometimes see reporters as trying to find controversy where it doesn't exist.
Learning to find common ground between these two points of view will help ensure the media tell both sides of the story.
Developing an open and honest relationship with the media in your detachment area or region is the key. And it's all based on trust and credibility. Investing some time to build good working relationships will pay off down the road. This approach will improve your chances of being heard when you're faced with a situation in which the RCMP is being criticized. It will also improve your chances of having your "good news" items reported.
Generally speaking, news editors and producers will decide whether or not to run a story based on seven criteria: 1. Impact -- Is this something people will be talking about? 2. Proximity -- Is this close to home? 3. Timeliness -- Did it just happen or is it about to? 4. Prominence -- Does the story involve any prominent people or places? 5. Conflict -- Are people fighting over something? 6. Novelty -- If a dog bites a man, it isn't news. If the man bites the dog, that's news! 7. If it bleeds, it leads -- The media, and the public, have an appetite for police news.
One of the key elements in all of this is: Police information officers have no right to criticize the hard-working media. We have a job to do and so do the cops. And withholding information because that's the way RCMP has done it for the past century is no standard for today's fast-paced society and their immediate need to know.