9.1 Public Relations

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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