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Media Interviews: A Systematic Approach for Success

NCJ Number
165224
Journal
FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Volume: 66 Issue: 2 Dated: (February 1997) Pages: 1-7
Author(s)
J L Vance
Date Published
1997
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This article addresses the need for good police-media relations and then presents a seven-step systematic approach that administrators can use to prepare for media interviews.
Abstract
The police strategy to improve media relations should be designed to ensure that media coverage of police operations is accurate, fair, and expressed in a way the public can understand. The strategy most likely to achieve this goal is proactive and based on systematic organization and consistent response. This requires that police administrators control their departments by ensuring that all levels of management receive and disseminate consistent information. This is achieved through a sound media policy and a public information officer, one with either full- time or auxiliary media duties. This officer should train appropriate personnel on media relations and interviewing techniques. The strategy also requires the full support and involvement of administrators who give priority to media relations. The proposed seven-step approach involves defining the issue; obtaining facts and preparing organizational messages; brainstorming potential questions; answering the questions in writing; rehearsing out loud; setting ground rules during the callback; and conducting the interview.