COP urges media to be fair in reporting about police

Commissioner of Police (COP) Keith Miller has called on the local media to educate the public, rather than sensationalize.{{more}}

Speaking at the opening of a Junior Non-Commissioned Officers (NCO) orientation course, the COP said he is disheartened when he reads some of the weekly publications.

Miller revealed that it is a norm for him to review the weekly newspapers before going into his regular Commissioners’ meeting and other meetings with senior police officers.

“Before I meet with the departments heads, I will read the newspapers, particularly to see what is in it that relates to the police, to see the comments whether they are favourable or the adverse,” he said.

If there are indeed any adverse reports, the COP disclosed that he goes a step further to call the head of the department to seek clarification.

“I can tell you that more often than ever, I would hear that no one called. No one called to ask a question as to what is happening. I am not saying that every media house does this.

“I want to commend those that do, but I want to encourage those that do not.

“Let us try to be more professional,” the COP stated.

He further encouraged the media not to report a story that is not true, which may in turn damage the organization’s character.

“Let us not try to have persons’ personal beliefs or your personal motives tarnish a character of an organization and its personnel,” he added.

Miller advised that the media does not have to report what the police wants them to produce, but for the media houses to be more objective.

“Let us let the public see what is happening out there truthfully,” he said.

A very concerned COP said that he is always willing to take “a bashing” whenever the police may be wrong. He further stated that he will be the first to put his hand up and apologize when his officers get it wrong and promise to do better next time.

“I’ll be the first to do that, but I also want you to give us dues. Give unto Caesar what is due unto him. Give unto the police force what is due unto us. And let us have a more professional method of reporting,” he added.

It was also revealed by Miller that their media policy speaks of a systematic way of reporting, of which members of the police force are aware and are also asked to comply with those media policies.

“We will speak with the media, but you have to have your facts right, so that the incorrect thing will not go out to the public,” said the Commissioner.

The COP said he is again appealing to the media to contact the police for the correct information before publishing. (AA)