In their own self-interest, all law enforcement or corrections organizations should prepare and enact an official media policy.

The policy should describe in detail the limits on how the organization's employees should interact with the media. The policy can sometimes be referred to as a media relations policy, an information policy or a communications policy.

Media-policy.org provides basic online guidance for anyone engaged in the task of writing a first media policy or modifying an existing policy.

Samples of typical policies are provided below.

Having prepared a policy, someone in the organization should take, or be given, responsibilty for liaison with the media. Training in how to handle the media should be provided for the responsible person or persons.

When representatives of the press call, they may possibly have an agenda. The agenda may not be in the interests of your organization. Although it can be frustrating to listen to politicians in interview situations, most politicians have been trained to deal with hostile, leading questions in a manner that lessens controversy. Your organization should have a media contact able to deal with media questions clearly, honestly and with good humor.

City of London Police (pdf)
It is our policy to be open and honest in dealing with the media, and to, as far as possible, respond to enquiries within their deadlines. We will be both proactive and reactive in our relationships with the media.

New Hampshire Department of Corrections
The New Hampshire Department of Corrections makes every effort to cooperate when facilitating media requests for inmate interviews. There are policies and procedures that we follow and I would like to make you aware of them here.

Minnesota Department of Corrections
The department will promptly respond to media requests in accordance with department policy and statutory provisions.

Northern Territory Police, Fire and Emergency Services (NTPFES)
When police, fire and emergency service personnel deal with the media there is, however, a degree of risk that outcomes might be unforeseen and undesirable. Therefore the NTPFES undertakes to support fully any officer acting within the guidelines of this policy.

Police Chief Magazine
Training prepares PIOs (public information officers) for both extraordinary circumstances and day-to-day activities. One of their most important and enjoyable responsibilities is to act as head cheerleader, seizing opportunities to cast their agency in a positive light while helping the members of the media address their own needs.