Dealing with the Media
The media can be a help or hindrance, yet you should definitely cultivate a contact in the media. By doing so, you have access to information, and you may be able to get your client's angle and best interests into the media through your relationship with your contact.
If you don't have a relationship or at least an agreement with a reporter, it's best to say as little as possible when questioned about your case. You can never know how she intends to use your information or present your client's case.
Law enforcement officers are usually not permitted to speak to the media. In most departments, only information officers or public relations officers are trained to speak to the media. If you work for attorneys, let them handle media relations. They'll no doubt insist upon it. Should you be over-heard revealing a secret or should you inadvertently mention something to a reporter, do immediate damage control. Think of the viewing audience as your client's potential jury pool. Don't contaminate it with media sound bites that may present a limited or contorted view of the situation.
