SECTION: 203 PUBLIC INFORMATION AND MEDIA RELATIONS

SECTION:       203

TITLE:     PUBLIC INFORMATION & MEDIA        

                                RELATIONS

EFFECTIVE DATE:  February 15, 2017

                                                       

PURPOSE:

 

This policy establishes procedures for media relations with the Department and provides guidelines as to the type of information which may be released to the media, specify types of information which may not be released and identifies those who may release information.

 

POLICY:

 

It shall be the policy of the Evangeline Parish Sheriff's Office to recognize the news media's right to have access to certain information concerning noteworthy events. However the Department also recognizes that its primary mission is investigating criminal acts, providing for the security of the citizenry and taking action at the scene of an emergency.

 

It shall also be the policy that the Department, through the office of the Sheriff, cooperate in every way possible with the news media by responding promptly and accurately, so long as the release of the information does not hamper an investigation or interfere with any prosecutorial action.

 

PERSONNEL AUTHORIZED TO RELEASE INFORMATION

 

All release of information, pertaining to ANY Departmental business or investigations shall be made through the office of the Sheriff. In the absence of the Sheriff (Out of Town) or as authorized by the Sheriff, his designee shall approve the media release and any information deemed necessary.

 

NO EMPLOYEE of this Department shall release information without the proper consent as described above.

 

No interviews shall take place without the consent of the Sheriff of his designee.

 

 

In regards to: All Rules, Regulations, Policy & Procedures and Special Orders are at the discretion of the Sheriff based on departmental need and the severity of the infraction.