Police Consolidation: Engaging the News Media

Police consolidation is a complex issue that can significantly impact the quality of life in and the security of a community. To help agencies better understand this process, Police Consolidation: Engaging the News Media explores how the news presents the topic of consolidation, along with its associated community interests, budgetary concerns, and potential outcomes. This resource guide also explores what sources news reporters use to construct consolidation stories and how reporters use these sources to convey what messages. Most important for public officials and policymakers considering consolidation in their own communities, this publication provides best practices based on interviews with representatives of agencies that sought consolidation and provides recommendations on how best to communicate through the media.

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Author: Steven Chermak, Charlie Scheer, and Jeremy M. Wilson

Federal Sponsor Agency: COPS

Provider: Michigan State University

Publication Date: 2014