Bob_Grip's Blog

Thanks to the Mobile office of the FBI, I had the chance to take part in a panel at a conference of Alabama chiefs of police in downtown Mobile.

This year, their annual meeting is focusing on media relations.

I talked about the need for openness in the relationship between the media and law enforcement and how cooperation is a win-win situation (the 388 arrests of Fox 10 News Fugitive Files speak for themselves).  Local television is the most powerful public relations tool that any law enforcement agency can use, but as another panelist pointed out, the police should not view TV as their private PR firm.

During the discussion period, some chiefs indicated by a show of hands that they had been burned by the media in the past.  It was suggested that should the police notice something incorrect in coverage, they should let someone know right away, and not let that fester.  I asked for another show of hands, to see how many chiefs would admit they received good leads or tips after a story aired on TV.  I'll bet three-quarters of those attending, raised a hand.

The FBI gets a lot of credit for setting up the two-day program.  The Bureau is far more accessible than it was just a few years ago, and has a greater understanding for the way the media work.