24-187 Protocol for Television News Crews for SFPD Awareness
Department Notice
This document is not an official representation of the published policy. To access the official signed policy, please contact us at [email protected].
The purpose of this notice is to inform Members of a protocol established with the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) to inform patrol officers of when news crews are in the City & County of San Francisco.
Television news crews have been targets of armed robberies around the Bay Area for several years. Criminals have robbed reporters and news photographers of their camera equipment at gun point in numerous cities, including in San Francisco. Television news stations have taken the step of hiring private armed security guards to protect their employees in the field.
Unfortunately, this added protection has not stopped these crimes. A retired officer working as a security guard was fatally shot during a robbery in Oakland in 2021. Other television crews have also been robbed since then while being accompanied by security guards.
When news crews are coming to San Francisco, they may call the DEM supervisor bridge at (415)-575-0737. The television stations will tell dispatch the location and time they will be in San Francisco. Dispatch will put out an “information only” broadcast to the district and car sector. If a robbery or other crime occurs at the location, officers will have important information for their awareness for a quick response if necessary.
Similar protocols are being followed in Oakland and other Bay Area cities.
/s/
WILLIAM SCOTT
Chief of Police
Per DN 23-152, all sworn & non-sworn members shall electronically acknowledge this Department document in PowerDMS within (30) thirty calendar days of issuance. Members whose duties are relevant to this document shall be held responsible for compliance. Any questions regarding this policy should be sent to [email protected] who will provide additional information.