In the last few years, the working relationship between the media and police department has improved, but, as they say, it is a work in progress,
building trust between these two social actors who always find themselves on opposite sides of the crime scene tape.
With that in mind, the Police High command organized a 2-day workshop for all the commanders and deputy commanders of the police formations and
precincts. Here's what Police Commissioner Allen Whylie had to say to his high ranking officers about the importance of the session:
Allen Whylie - Commissioner of Police
"I'm pleased to see so many of you here this morning for what I believe is a very important 2 day workshop. It took sacrifice, and determination to say
let's bring in all the district commanders and their deputy. I believe that this is a workshop that is very timely and very essential. Essential simply
because of the fact that, whilst we are out there and we will be making positive impacts in terms of safety and security. We do not own the medium to
sell the message in terms of what we are doing. That medium is the media and we have got to depend on them to pass us in a positive light. Whilst we
understand the media has its own roles and function and should not be distorting the story - It is key that we will be able to sell our stories that we
be forth right with the media. That we be honest with the media. That we develop a personal relationship with the media. That we develop a professional
relationship with the media. The media is out there to get the news, they'll be aggressive. I am telling you and I am telling the media, that it is
okay for them to call. It is okay for you to answer. It is okay for you to give interviews to the media. I would prefer that they media seek the
information from the formation commanders, the deputy formation commanders - where an incident of interest to them may have occurred. Because whilst
you will be passing information to Raff, Raff may not have all the information the media may require."
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