Public Information

Question 1

Public information will be handled in accordance with the ___________________.

Answer 1

Maryland Public information act (MPIA)

Question 2

True or False: The police department does not issues press cards

Answer 2

True

Question 3

The police department treats freelance writers and photographers as the ___________________.

Answer 3

general public

Question 4

____________________- is responsible for discussing department police and for making official comment on sensitive matters.

Answer 4

Public Affairs Section

Question 5

____________________- Comments on Internal Affairs Division investigations. Provides factual information to the media and coordinates requests for information between the media and Department personnel.

Answer 5

Public affairs section

Question 6

Sends a full explanation of specific acts violating departmental policy to a ______________ employer when privileges are denied.

Answer 6

Reporters

Question 7

________________ will be referred to when validity of media credentials is questioned

Answer 7

Public Affairs section

Question 8

_______________ publishes the departmental newsletter and other resources to the public

Answer 8

Public affairs section

Question 9

___________ has access to all members but will not be allowed to interfere with the police mission

Answer 9

Media

Question 10

Media Problems will be referred to the (list 4):

Answer 10

officer in charge
supervisor
precinct commander
Public Affairs Section Commander

Question 11

Department members will not __________ information for its news value

Answer 11

Prejudge

Question 12

Department members are authorized to give information to known media representatives over the phone. Members will attempt to establish and verify the identity of unknown media callers by ____________ or contacting the appropriate news agency.

Answer 12

Returning the call

Question 13

_______________ Will forward newsworthy information concerning major operations (e.g., planned raids, multiple arrests, etc.), promotions, projects, programs, and other activities to the Public Affairs Section, in writing, in advance of effective dates. If there is an urgent need to release the information, notification will be made by telephone.

Answer 13

commanders

Question 14

Commanders will inform the __________ sections of major changes in operations, procedures and personnel.

Answer 14

Public affairs section

Question 15

Are all details of a Federal Investigation like a bank robbery releasable information?

Answer 15

No

Question 16

-Requests for aid in locating evidence, complainants, victims, witnesses, missing persons, or
suspects (race may be released as descriptive information in such cases).
-Number of officers or people involved and length of the investigation.
- Name of officer in charge of the case, the officer’s supervisor, and his/her division/unit
assignment, in accordance with Article 7 of the Administrative Manual and the Memorandum of Understanding between Baltimore County and the Fraternal Order of Police.
Are all considered _____________.

Answer 16

Releasable information

Question 17

• Identity of a sex crime victim, adult or juvenile, or related information which may divulge the victim’s identity.
• Identity of a juvenile suspect, defendant, or respondent in any case over which the Juvenile Court of Baltimore County has jurisdiction.

Are examples of __________________________.

Answer 17

Information Release Prohibitions

Question 18

• The accused adult’s name, age, description, residence, employment, and marital status.
• Substance or text of the charge as contained in the complaint, warrant, indictment, or information.
• The name, age, and address of a juvenile only when charged as an adult or waived to adult status. NOTE: Identifying information will not be released until bail hearing is complete
• The fact a juvenile was taken into custody on delinquent charges, including sex, age, general area of a juvenile’s residence, and substance of the charge.
• Identity of the investigating and arresting officers, agency, and length of the investigation, in accordance with Article 7 of the Administrative Manual and the Memorandum of Understanding between Baltimore County and the Fraternal Order of Police.

Are examples of ________________.

Answer 18

Releasable information

Question 19

With regard to general crime scene access courtesy will be extended to ____________________ actively covering the incident.

Answer 19

Media representatives

Question 20

Department members cannot grant third parties (e.g., members of the media, etc.) permission to enter the _________________of others. The Department’s right to enter private property to process crime scenes, search for additional victims/suspects, etc., is only valid for the time necessary to accomplish the law enforcement purpose. This right cannot be transferred to persons who are not necessary to accomplish the Department’s official business.

Answer 20

Private property

Question 21

____________ is allowed after all known evidence has been processed and the on-site investigation is completed.

Answer 21

Media access

Question 22

True or False: The officer in charge will designate a media information area in hostage/barricade incidents. This area may be moved closer to the scene when safe.

Answer 22

true

Question 23

true or false: RECORDING/TELEVISING/PHOTOGRAPHING Is allowed in public places as long as it does not interfere with police operations. And is allowed on private property as long as permission was granted by the owner or representative.

Answer 23

True

Question 24

Members will not __________ the suspect/accused for photographs, interviews or telecasts.

Answer 24

Pose

Question 25

True or False: Film, digital image, and video tape, will not be released of a subject in custody.

Answer 25

True

Question 26

INTERVIEWS With the media by persons in police custody are ________________.

Answer 26

Prohibited

Question 27

Media access at fire scenes are controlled by the ___________________.

Answer 27

Official in command

Question 28

Sensitive or investigative information from the Internal Affairs Division will not be released except with permission from the ______________________.

Answer 28

Chief of police

Question 29

Released internal investigation will conform with state law as it concerns the rights of ______________.

Answer 29

Police officers

Question 30

When a citizen requests that information on an incident not be released or reported to the media, members will explain that police reports are generally considered public information and accessible to the media. Members will explain that such a request will be noted in the official __________________, but that the media will make the decision whether or not to publish unrestricted information. Members may also notify the Public Affairs Section of such requests when advisable.

Answer 30

Incident report.

Question 31

INCIDENTS REQUIRING PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION NOTIFICATION ARE:

Answer 31

Homicides. Burglaries and thefts in excess of $50,000. Disasters resulting in loss of life or extensive property damage. Fatalities resulting from fire, drowning, or electrocution. Traffic, aircraft, or train accidents where fatalities occur. Deaths of persons in custody. School bus accidents involving any injuries. Missing children under 10 years of age. Missing persons when foul play is suspected. Extensive searches. Strikes, riots, disorders involving groups of people. Shootings involving citizens or police officers. Bomb threats or where a device is found. Hostage/barricade incidents where life is threatened or endangered. Any incident involving persons who, by their position in society, are of interest to the public.

Question 32

_____________________- Ensures that confirmed, official accounts of events are reported. Contacts the 9-1-1 Police Liaison at the earliest possible moment (generally within two hours) with an oral summary. Information should include who, what, when, where, why, and other non-restricted supporting data. Answers inquiries made by any media representative who responds to a scene.

Answer 32

Officer in charge

Question 33

_____________________Obtains necessary information from the officer-in-charge on the scene. Prepares a written news release, in narrative form and in simple, easily understood language. Releases all non-restricted information. Forwards copies of releases to the Public Affairs Section. Directs media representatives to the proper precinct, section or Department authority when more detailed information is requested than is available.

Answer 33

911 police liasion

Question 34

________________________ Determines the type and extent of action/coordination by the Section on a case-by-case basis. Notifies the 9-1-1 Police Liaison as to the extent of the Section’s direct involvement in an incident. Assists officers needing advice, counsel or a Public Affairs Section representative at an incident scene.

Answer 34

Public Affairs section