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standard operating procedure college station fire department

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DEPARTMENTAL POLICY<br />

COLLEGE STATION FIRE DEPARTMENT<br />

SUBJECT: Operating Guidelines SOP: 100.8.11<br />

CATEGORY: News Media Relations PAGE: 1 of 3<br />

APPROVED BY:<br />

E-Signed by David K. Giordano<br />

VERIFY authenticity with ApproveIt<br />

Chief, Fire Department DATE: 12/02<br />

I. Policy:<br />

It is the policy of the College Station Fire Department to cooperate with the news<br />

media whenever possible, within the guidelines of state public records law (Open<br />

Records Act) and the <strong>procedure</strong>s set forth in this suggested <strong>operating</strong> guideline.<br />

As a matter of policy, the <strong>department</strong> will communicate information to the fullest<br />

extent possible without compromising investigation or public safety.<br />

II. Responsibility:<br />

A. Dispatch Center<br />

1. On receipt of media inquiries regarding incidents in progress, the Dispatch<br />

Center will confirm the basic nature and the reported location of the incident.<br />

2. Dispatch Center personnel must use caution in releasing information they<br />

have received from callers reporting incidents until such time as first<br />

responding units have arrived on scene and confirmed what has been<br />

reported. Use special caution with unconfirmed information regarding<br />

fatalities and possible criminal activity. Information regarding deaths, serious<br />

injuries, and investigation status should be developed and released by the onscene<br />

PIO or his designee.<br />

3. The Dispatch Center shall notify the <strong>department</strong> PIO of the following incidents:<br />

• Multiple alarm incidents.<br />

• Mass-casualty incidents.<br />

• Fire deaths.<br />

• Major hazardous materials incidents.<br />

• Major transportation incidents, such as those involving aircraft or rail.<br />

• Death or serious injury to an on-duty member.<br />

• Any other incidents having obvious interest to the news media.<br />

• As requested by an on-duty shift commander, company officer or chief<br />

officer.<br />

B. Public Information Officer (PIO)<br />

1. The PIO, or on-call designee, shall respond to all incidents as requested and<br />

report to the incident commander.

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