In an era dominated by digital platforms and social media, traditional newspapers, television, and radio remain invaluable partners for law enforcement agencies in effectively communicating critical information to the public. This ability to deliver that information has been complicated because of an industry-wide reduction in journalism professionals, particularly in the newspaper industry, as economic shortcomings have caused newsrooms to shrink while more than 2,200 newspapers have closed nationwide since 2000.

Still, as we have also sometimes seen, that ability to communicate to the public has also been complicated because of weak relationships with local media, along with mistakes made by law enforcement leaders to effectively deliver their message.

A useful example is the mass shooting event in Bangor, Maine, where improved communication channels between the law enforcement officers and local media outlets could have enabled journalists to provide the public with critical updates and safety information in real-time, potentially minimizing the risk to community members. It’s imperative to remember though that law enforcement was responding to an active shooter event that claimed the lives of 18 people, during which the shooter evaded police officers for nearly 48 hours before taking his own life while in hiding.

That said, several press conferences were unusually short and bereft of much information while they were abruptly concluded as reporters still asked questions, both of which created unnecessary tension with the media while impacting the information being delivered to the public. Of course, policing events involving active shootings with a suspect on the loose are obviously chaotic for law enforcement leaders who have to balance the public’s need to know with officer safety.

But law enforcement leaders must remember that public perception is built upon their public activity, and press conferences in the height of a crisis can make or break how a community thinks not just of the leaders but the department as a whole. In the future, as our world becomes even more complicated because of technological innovations that can be used to deceive the public, communities must have faith in their law enforcement leadership.

A positive example of law enforcement effectively communicating to the public via the media can be found during the 2015 terror attack in Southern California. San Bernardino Police Chief Jarrod Burguan held press conference after press conference, patiently answering all of the reporters’ questions while using Twitter (since rebranded to X) to communicate directly with the public. This resulted in praise for Burguan specifically – but also other law enforcement officials providing leadership – for bringing calm to a truly chaotic situation.

As Burguan stated: “I believe in transparency. My philosophy has always been that if I can tell you, I’m going to tell you. And if I can’t tell you, I’m going to say I can’t tell you.”

The goal of this examination is not to criticize one department while heaping praise on another, but instead to look proactively at how law enforcement can learn from the past and deliver positively in the future. 

Examining ways for law enforcement to optimize their relationship with the press to improve public safety and transparency will only improve future results for all. Additionally, understanding the importance of holding effective press conferences as a means to deliver information to reporters will only better help the public in understanding the chaos of unfolding events across various media platforms.

Any shortcomings in communication strategies will result in missed opportunities to mitigate the impact of the crisis and ensure public safety. So how can law enforcement leaders learn from the past to deliver better results in the future?

Proactive Engagement: Law enforcement agencies should prioritize proactive engagement with media outlets, establishing open lines of communication before crises occur. By fostering relationships built on trust and transparency, agencies can ensure in the future that reporters have access to reliable information during breaking news events, facilitating timely and accurate reporting.

Strategic Information Sharing: Effective communication with media outlets requires strategic information sharing by law enforcement agencies. Providing reporters with access to verified information and official updates empowers journalists to disseminate accurate reports, enhancing public trust and confidence in subsequent law enforcement efforts.

Leveraging Media Partnerships as Community Assets: Media outlets serve as vital conduits of information within local communities, making them invaluable allies for law enforcement agencies in promoting public safety and awareness. By leveraging media partnerships, agencies can amplify their messaging and reach diverse demographics effectively.

Holding Effective Press Conferences: Law enforcement agencies must prioritize hosting effective press conferences as a means to deliver information to reporters and assist the public in understanding unfolding events across various media platforms. Key strategies include:

• Timeliness: Holding press conferences promptly after a significant event ensures that reporters from newspapers, television, radio, and digital platforms receive timely updates and can disseminate accurate information to the public.

• Transparency: Providing reporters with access to relevant information, including facts, updates, and safety protocols, fosters transparency and builds public trust in law enforcement efforts.

• Accessibility: Ensuring that press conferences are accessible to reporters from diverse media outlets maximizes the reach and impact of information dissemination.

• Engagement: Encouraging interaction and dialogue between law enforcement officials and reporters during press conferences allows for clarifications, additional information, and the addressing of concerns, enhancing the public's understanding of unfolding events.

Are press conferences ever truly enjoyable for law enforcement officials to hold, particularly as events are still unfolding? Unlikely, but they are a necessity and ultimately a means to an end. Law enforcement leaders also should remember that like every police officer who is out searching for a suspect, each member of a department has a role to fulfill, and for the leaders, that often includes delivering important information to the public through the media. If a leader outwardly holds disdain toward the media, that will be notable, and noticeable, in every interaction, which only hurts the public.

Additionally, if reporters feel like a law enforcement leader is withholding information that should be released, it will only embolden them to go looking for themselves, which can make it tougher on an investigation.

We must remember that In an increasingly digital landscape, traditional and broadcast media remain indispensable allies for law enforcement agencies in communicating critical information to the public. By strengthening partnerships with media outlets, agencies in the future can enhance public safety, promote transparency, and foster community resilience in times of crisis.

About the author

George Watson is a communications consultant, freelance writer and an adjunct professor of journalism at the University of Redlands. George spent 18 years as a reporter and editor, with focuses on law enforcement and government administration, beginning at the Durango Herald and concluding at the San Bernardino Sun, with stints at organizations like the Associated Press in New York City and the Hartford Courant.