First Jobs: Following Law Enforcement

BiB Contributor | George Howell

Following police officers on an assignment can be an interesting and sometimes unpredictable experience. Officers know that at any given moment they may be called to respond to anything, from a traffic accident to a murder investigation. Sometimes, they’ll arrive on scene after a crime is committed. Other times, they may pull up to a situation that is still active or dangerous. Whether you are reporting for a television news organization or streaming live video online, there are a few important guidelines you should be aware of in order to ensure your safety, and the safety of the officers with you.

• Never show LIVE pictures of a SWAT operation: SWAT teams rely on the element of surprise to capture suspects. While camera crews may be invited to cover missions from time to time, SWAT teams never want their tactical positions or strategies shown on LIVE television. They want the suspect to be unaware of what’s happening at all times in order to maintain tactical advantage. If a suspect can see the officers approaching on LIVE television, it puts their safety at risk. Always check with the SWAT commander or the highest ranking official at the scene to determine what’s appropriate or inappropriate to air LIVE. It’s usually o.k. to take video of an operation while it’s in progress, if you plan on broadcasting the video after the mission is completed. This gentleman’s agreement between journos and officers works to protect both groups from harm during tense situations. Be warned – reporters and media outlets that fail to follow this guideline do run a risk of criminal prosecution.

• Always check for Undercover Officers: Most law enforcement officers will tell you they would rather not be seen on television, but there are some officers whose very livelihood and safety depends upon anonymity. Anytime you take video of a large group of officers working an assignment, you should first check with a commander or high ranking official to see if there are any undercover officers in the group. These U.C.’s usually work as plain clothes officers during the day to blend in with the community. Some may be embedded with local gangs or other criminal organizations, gathering information for investigations. When their identities are revealed, it can put their safety at risk.
  

• Heed No Trespass Warnings: If you see a sign that says no trespassing, do not pass the posted sign. If a property owner asks you to leave the property, you must do so immediately. This applies to journalists even when following alongside police officers. You should be ready to back off if the property owner instructs you to do so. Journalists do not have the same authority police officers have when entering another person’s property, so be careful. Check with a manager to learn more about your station’s guidelines on trespassing.

• Use your better judgment in the face of danger: Active crime scenes can be unpredictable. If you ever feel that you are in a dangerous situation while covering a story, by all means move to a safer location.

• Learn the audio recording laws in your state: Imagine a traffic-stop scenario. The officer you are following just pulled someone off the road because of a traffic violation. If the officer is wearing your microphone, be careful about using any audio picked up between the officer and the driver. Each state has different rules on whether or not you can use audio from people if they do not know they are being recorded. For more information about one-party and two-party consent rules, here’s a link to the Reporter’s Committee for Freedom of the Press.