Tuesday, February 23, 2010

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Re-igniting the relationship between the police and the media When now Deputy Commissioner of Police Marvin Dames left Grand Bahama, it ended a relationship between the police and the media that had become critical to the Grand Bahamian public. Yes, different people may have different views on Dames and other police chiefs, but there was no denying that Dames was a public relations man. He knew and understood the power of the media and used it to his advantage. In spite of how that may sound, it was a good thing because it benefited the public in the long run. Information flowed from the police to the media, sometimes unsolicited information was given to the press, which Dames knew was vital to securing a more peaceful society. Yes, there are times when certain bits of information are deliberately held back from the media, but truth be told the true media could never be held back from obtaining information. Dames proved that when the media and the police worked closely together, it left the public feeling more secure. Under Dames' watch regular Sunday briefings were held at the police headquarters to give updates on activities and crimes that may have taken place during the weekend. Even if Dames did not speak at every press conference, he ensured that they were held, because he understood the need to have an informed public. It's true, information can dictate how people react and respond. Marvin Dames understood this. But before Marvin Dames held regular press briefings, former Superintendent Basil Rahming was proficient in supplying the media with regular crime reports. In fact, Rahming had become legendary for his neatly hand-written reports. With the appointment of Quinn McCartney to head up the police department in Grand Bahama, the question arises, "will he follow Dames' footsteps and re-ignite that relationship between the media and the police?" It would be advisable for him to do so. In fact, since his appointment McCartney has not had an official "Meet the Press" meeting with members of the media. Perhaps it's in his plans for later on, once he has established himself in Freeport. McCartney should pen such a date in his appointment book. It may be critical to his success. In a small community, where everyone knows everyone and everything that happens, keeping information from the press does not mean keeping such information from members of the public. The idea of establishing that police-media relationship is to give the police the chance to control the information that may be circulating among the public - the correct information. Yes, Marvin Dames established a brand of policing that was unchartered. Perhaps Senior Assistant Commissioner McCartney can take that to the next level. Monday January 25, 2010