ABSTRACT
This chapter examines the fundamental nature of the relationship between law enforcement and the media, and discusses ways of improving and sustaining that relationship. It offers suggestions for police administrators as to how to engage the media following use of force incidents in a way that best accomplishes the goals of their agencies. The chapter examines some of the best policies that have been developed by police agencies for promoting and sustaining effective relationships with the media, also examines the role of public information officers or department spokespersons, and makes specific policy and practice recommendations for properly engaging the media in response to publicized use of force incidents. Once the investigation of a use of force incident concludes that the police acted improperly, it is time for the agency to admit the mistakes, take responsibility, and outline what changes it plans to implement to prevent the error from occurring again.
