9.1 Public Relations

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This is the Centreville Police Department Public Relations Directive #9.1, issued and revised October 1, 2016 and approved by Chief Charles M. Rhodes, Jr. It says the department's public image depends on everyday contacts with the community, that officers should perform duties promptly and professionally, educate the public when needed, and keep their public and private lives beyond reproach. It also requires employees to follow department policy in contacts with the public and media, and notes that media inquiries about employees will be handled according to other established procedures.

Centreville Police Department Public Relations Directive 9.1 public image employee conduct media inquiries Charles M. Rhodes, Jr.

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Centreville Police Department
Title: Public Relations Directive #: 9.1
Issued: 10.1.2016 Revised: 10.1.2016
Approved by: Charles M. Rhodes, Jr.
Chief of Police
A. Public Image
1. The public image of any organization stands or falls on the impression it creates through day to day
contacts with the people it serves. Public support, understanding and confidence, and to a certain extent,
the effectiveness of a law enforcement agency, are influenced by the climate of police-public affairs.
2. In striving to provide superior service, the Centreville Police Department generally enjoys good relations
with the public. However, segments of an uninformed public are sometimes apt to base their judgment
on rumor or opinions not rooted in fact. This tendency can only be corrected through steps to educate
the public concerning the various aspects of law enforcement and police activities.
3. Every outside contact made by an employee of the Department can be measured in terms of public
affairs. The individual who performs his prescribed duties promptly and efficiently makes a valuable
contribution to the public affairs program, because its effectiveness is directly related to good job
performance. In addition, the employee should be proud of the Department, and openly express this
pride during daily work and in community life. The Department's image is further enhanced when officers
conduct themselves in a professional manner and keep their public and private life beyond reproach.
4. In contacts with the public and the media, it is absolutely essential for all employees to adhere to
Department policy. All media inquiries for release of information on employees will be addressed in
accordance with procedures set forth elsewhere.
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