Police Media Relations - Course Outline

MEDIA RELATIONS FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT ™

Level I, 16 Classroom Hours

Course Outline

Chris Ryan, an internationally recognized expert in crisis communications and police media relations
has created and developed this specialized course as necessary training for law enforcement officers
responsible for communicating and interacting with the news media.

Mr. Ryan personally administers the non-graded program at various law enforcement agencies throughout
the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Course Objectives

This level 1 course focuses on developing communication skills and an understanding of the news business for sworn and non-sworn law enforcement personnel empowered with managing and disseminating information to the public and communicating and interacting with the news media.

Students will receive step-by-step direction on how to use essential tools to excel during media interviews and news conferences, at crime scenes and in crisis and other critical situations where the public and the news media have an interest.

Students will be trained to understand the workings of the news media on a local and national level and its interaction with the law enforcement community. They will learn to manage and disseminate critical and often sensitive information, understand the legal aspects and possible ramifications of the release of information and anticipate reporters' questions and tactics while giving solid and effective answers. They will also learn how to execute useful departmental news releases.

This course includes a thorough understanding of the effect that good communications with the news media has on community and government relations, recruiting and other outreach programs as well as building alliances with other agencies. Students will learn their communications and relationships with the media have an unexpected impact in the area of officer safety during calls for service and vehicle stops due to a better understanding of the department’s functions and its place in the community. Finally, students will participate in practical on-camera interviews with“aggressive reporters” during simulated high profile situations. These intense interviews are designed to challenge students to use the skills attained during the course to communicate effectively in highly charged situations where there are rarely easy answers.

Students from other agencies, i.e. PD’s, SO’s, DA’s, CA’s, probation/parole officers, coroners and corrections officers, etc., are invited to attend for training credit.

Strategies and Materials

Classroom activities include candid instruction, discussions and problem solving, video presentations, group learning with thought-provoking exercises and role-playing scenarios.

Materials include class handouts and case studies, visual aids and video taping of practicals, etc.