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| From
the Field |
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 Can't
We All Just Get Along?
By Sergeant John Pasquariello
I have been the Assistant Officer in Charge of LAPD's Media
Relations Section since August 1, 1999. A little over one week
after I took the position, Buford Furrow walked into the North
Valley Jewish Community Center and opened fire with an assault
rifle. I was immediately thrust into the vortex of crisis media
management.
I have learned many things since that time. One thing for certain
we (law enforcement and media) need each other. The biggest
problem we face is a mutual lack of trust. The Los Angeles Police
Department is committed to working with the media to provide
accurate information in a timely manner. I believe we do a pretty
good job of that and we are making efforts to improve all the
time. However, there is a caveat; There still remains a large
segment of the department (and the entire law enforcement community)
that thinks the media is out to get us.
We do our best to train our people not to have a blanket distrust
of the media, but it remains a challenge. Please keep that in
mind when you are in the field and you encounter some of our
folks who are unwilling to assist you or provide you with the
simplest information.
The LAPD has taken a beating in the last few years and cops
are gun shy (excuse the pun). If you aren't getting the service
or information that you need, call me or anyone in our office.
We should be able to take care of the problem. We are working
hard on our end to educate our troops about the role of the
media and the importance of a positive relationship. On your
side, please be as patient as you can. We have a young police
department. Law enforcement is going through a major transformation
and, again, the LAPD is on the cutting edge. This is the time
to change the culture of Law Enforcement/Media Relations for
the better.
About the Author
Sergeant John Pasquariello the Assistant Officer in Charge of
LAPD's Media Relations Section |
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