DAY 7- Police Media Relations

Full video here: https://fb.watch/iJpREbO7dQ/

The foundation of our society is communication. It enables us to connect with people, impact choices, and inspire change. It would be easier to advance professionally or daily with practical communication abilities. Media of any form serves as an essential tool for law enforcement agencies, especially when educating the general public. Television and radio play an important role, particularly in the reportage of common incidence to significant news events like serious crimes, deadly storms, and sensational crimes. Social media, along with the rise of the internet, has also helped catch perpetrators but also created another problem in cybercrime incidents.

Police officers should also be skilled in communicating effectively with the media through press conferences, public statements, news releases, and even straightforward telephone inquiries. Simple communication tasks such as giving out explicit instructions are essential skills that police officers should have. As the platitude goes, communication is the key. As future leaders, we must ensure we know how to instruct subordinates and relay information to superiors.

The PNP has a Media Relation Policy under NAPOLCOM MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR 2006-022 (1) which aims to re-orient and further motivate every PNP personnel to be mindful of the importance of a good working relationship with the media as a vital component of the organization’s over-all Police-Community Relations Program. This policy will significantly help recognize the role of other stakeholders and the use of tools and gifts we have.

In high school, becoming a news anchor was one of my career considerations. However, my mother discouraged me. Now, whenever I can speak, I cannot help but remember my what-ifs. That does not make me feel less, though, for I am happy to be where I am now. I have realized that a police officer should be a generalist. We should be jack-of-all-trades and perform unexpected duties we do not expect.

One of the most crucial and feared kinds of communication is public speaking. The most prevalent phobia worldwide is glossophobia or the fear of speaking in public. This tells us that if many are afraid of speaking in public, why do we keep on judging someone who may be suffering from such fear? Underlying factors like this may not be determined by co-workers or even the individuals themselves, but as police officers, we should overcome this fear. Acknowledging our weaknesses can become strengths in the long run.

The Academy has continuously equipped us with communication skills. One of which is the conduct of the Enhanced Learning Package (ELP) Seminar before our deployment. Indeed, the Academy has prepared us for this, and I am enthused to apply what I have learned.

Today’s Wrap-Up:

Communication is a key to progress. A skill that we, as cadets in the Academy and future police officers, should hone. Communication skills across different forms, writing and speaking are essential skills a police officer should have. We also must practice communicating information from the bottom to the higher levels of an organization.

Full video here: https://fb.watch/iJpREbO7dQ/