tsmith - 26 July 2008 11:20 PM
Peppermint tea, please! (I’m not really a coffee drinker)
I have a confession to make. I’m very intimidated when it comes to talking to the cops. Not all the time, I’m fine on the phone, simply interviewing them. It’s mainly when I’m on scene and there is something really serious going on.
Take today for instance.
I went out to cover a suspicious death and the officers had it taped off with crime scene tape. I didn’t want to step across the tape , even though my press badge says I can. But, I don’t want to potentially harm some sort of evidence, or have a cop yell at me or something. I even got a little timid when I asked if they had any information available.
Any suggestions?
Any cop who has been around long enough know that you are there to do your job. They’ve probably seen the gamut, as far as reporters who come on the scene and are pushy, disrespectful to an investigation, etc.
Part of their job is to provide you with the information you need to inform the public, especially if its a public safety issue. No cop wants the reputation --or be reprimanded by their commander-- for being rude, unhelpful, etc to reporters (even if they are interns).
Okay, so here’s the advice: approach the scene, introduce yourself—before crossing the tape—and state your purpose for being there. Then ask who, on-scene and/or off-scene, you should be talking to for information. If you have issues with any cop, first call your editor. And if you can’t get anywhere with officers on scene, call their supervisor. NOT TO TATTLE ON THEM! But to say, “I’m out at the scene and I’m having trouble getting information from someone. Who should I talk to?”
Being timid: I’ve been there. Take a deep breath, stick your chest out [not in a perverted way, lol] and act as though you are supposed to be there. Truth is, you have every right be there.
