The Cobourg Police Service (CPS) and Northumberland 89.7 FM will co-host a virtual press conference this morning to discuss the responsibility of police and the media with the goal of increasing public trust through actions that show a commitment to transparency. Community members are welcome to join the press conference taking place on today at 10:00 a.m.
In February 2022, CPS announced a change to their media relations policy, specifically when the service will release the names of accused persons. There was interest in the topic expressed by the public, community organizations, and local media, including reporters from Northumberland 89.7 FM.
Since the announcement, CPS and Northumberland 89.7 FM have met to discuss the changes and what it means for the police, community members and local media reporting crime and court news. As a result of the discussions, both organizations have taken actions to ensure the community understands how each one treats public information regarding crime.
CPS has made the policy available to the public showing how decisions are made regarding when names are released and provided information outlining how the media and the public file an appeal or complaint through the service's website. On an annual basis, CPS will submit a report outlining the number of instances the names of accused persons were released.
Northumberland 89.7 FM is taking steps to make its protocols related to coverage of crime and courts public on its website. Included are its accountability features. The goal is to make news coverage more transparent. Similar to the police, the radio station has made it easier for the public to register concerns or complaints or appeal coverage to the National News Media Council.
"Community safety is our top priority, and we remain accountable to all the community members we serve. We continually reflect on internal best practices, examining how our policies and procedures relate to current community needs and the social context - in real life and online. The outcome of continued discourse on topics of public trust and transparency provides opportunities for us to demonstrate our commitment to continuous improvement." - Chief Paul VandeGraaf, Cobourg Police Service
“I wish to express my gratitude to Cobourg Police Chief Paul VandeGraaf for having a frank, open exchange of ideas and acting on them. It is vital that the community feel these policies, both at the Cobourg Police Service and Northumberland 89.7 FM, remove any doubts about releasing information. Our common goal is to create trust through transparency,” Washburn said.
Remarks from Chief of Police Paul VandeGraaf (Cobourg Police Service), Executive Director Peter Dounoukos (Northumberland 89.7 FM), and journalist/reporter Robert Washburn (Consider This - Northumberland 89.7 FM) will be followed by a question period.
Please email Lisa Munday at lisa.munday@cobourgpolice.com if you would like to attend. If you cannot participate but have a question you would like asked on your behalf, you can email your questions to lisa.munday@cobourgpolice.com. Questions relevant to the topic will be included in the question period of the press conference.
