Pittsfield Police Advisory Reject Criticism of Press Protocol
 The Police Advisory Committee met in the City Council Chambers on Monday, a change made in case members of the public wanted to weigh in on the new press policy. No one attended. |
The committee adopted the new policy last month to help clear up confusion in media relations.
Members are asked to make it clear that they are not representing the committee when speaking to the media and to let the mayor's office and the police chief know about any such conversations.
If the committee as a whole takes a stance, a release would go through the chairman.
The Eagle reported that the policy was similar to that recently instituted by the mayor's office and wrote in the editorial that "is designed to channel comments through the chairman, Alan Righi, ostensibly to avoid members offering contradictory remarks. It mirrors a City Hall policy that will stifle comment ..."
On Monday, the committee members remarked that the editorial was inaccurate. Righi opened the debate up to the public for more discussion but no citizens attended.
Nonetheless, the committee stuck to its policy — that members will continue to speak to the media if they want and do the mayor (whom the committee represents) and the chief (whom they advise) the courtesy of telling them they did so.
And, any formal releases as a committee will be voted and sent through the chairman.
"Neither one of us should not know when one of you is speaking to the media ... It is not to stifle you," said Police Chief Michael Wynn, who brought the idea to the committee. "If you speak to the media, I shouldn't find out about it with a followup phone call from the media."
The committee did, however, change the name of the policy to "media release protocol."
"This is getting blown into something it doesn't need to be. We settled this at our last meeting," said member Katie Roucher.
Charles Smith reiterated his stance that the members should be free to speak to members of the media. He said the media helps share successes, policies and let's people know that they are accessible, accountable and listens to people.
But, "if we are to say something that is controversial, it would be the proper thing to give [Wynn] a heads up."
The committee is appointed by the mayor to advise the administration. The group does not have authority to implement policies but rather makes recommendations and vets petitions for the administration.
"This isn't an agency. You represent the mayor," Wynn reminded the committee.
The protocol was first brought up after confusion over a press release regarding the downtown ambassador program.
In other business, the committee recommended that the City Council take no action on a citizens petition regarding motor vehicle inventory reports. LeMarr Talley petitioned the council saying the Police Department was not following legal search and seizure procedures.
Righi, an attorney, reviewed the documents and told the committee that Talley is requesting a change in state laws, not local policy, and, therefore, the City Council should not take action on the petition.
"Mr. Talley's petition was beyond the scope and authority of the City Council. And that is the beginning and the end of it. It is inappropriate," Righi said. "The City Council has no authority or power over the matters presented."
Also on Monday, Wynn reported that the anti-crime division made 160 arrests last year. The group was recently brought back together and includes officers and members of the Berkshire County sheriff's department.
Wynn also reported that three new hires are finishing the academy this month and three more will be going in February.
Tags: community policing, news media, police advisory, public policy,
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