Use of media relations to improve community confidence

A Media Seminar held in Apia, Samoa and funded by the Australian Federal Police Pacific Police Development Program, attracted 20 participants from 8 countries who took part in five days of workshops and tutorials focused on building relationships with the media and the community. Workshop participants in attendance were from Cook Islands, Nauru, Niue, Vanuatu, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Tonga and Samoa. Inspector Patia and Constable Rua were the participants from the Cook Islands.
The need for the seminar was identified jointly by the Police Commissioners at the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Conference during their discussion regarding the Police strategic Directions plan (2009-2014)
The workshop was designed to provide participants with a comprehensive and practical insight into the print, radio and TV media and how good media relations can be used to assist ongoing development of police forces throughout the Pacific. Media coverage has a major influence on community perceptions and improved use of media reporting opportunities is fundamental to development of confidence in the delivery of police services.
It also provides participants with a memorable and valuable learning experience. It delivers both theory and practical knowledge through brief tutorials combined with group workshops on a wide range of subjects essential to implementation and further development of media relations capability and professional media relationships. It includes industry familiarization visits to commercial newspaper, radio and television operations. Discussion sessions were held with eminent and prominent community representatives from churches, business, schools and the media industry.
One of the primary means of building trust and confidence in the community is through sound, professional relationships with the media to ensure the positive work done by the police is made known to the wider general public.
It is important that aspects of policing such as investigations, crime reduction programs, community awareness campaigns and crime trends are made known to the community through media reporting.
It is widely accepted that police alone cannot fight and prevent crime in society. There needs to be a significant degree of community assistance. Community group representatives from the Samoan Council of Churches, Chamber of Commerce, schools, women’s organizations were enthusiastic about this program and provided valuable contribution.
The seminar addressed issues such as media releases, Governance and the Management Cycle, recognizing the importance of deadlines and professional working relationships with media organizations
The seminar also provided an opportunity for the participants to build on their skills when being interviewed by the media. Those skills is beneficial in allowing our spokespersons to project a professional image when appearing in the media.
It is also important to note that this one week seminar is not a stand alone capacity development program. There will be follow up training and support from the Australian Federal Police, Pacific Police Development Program.

Headlines : Times 290 02 March 2009
- Lucky $1,000 winner
- Century old palm trees and the French connection
- Koutu Nui takes part in Raui meeting in Moorea
- WOM Award Dinner for Ake Hosea-Winterflood
- Island of Atiu to host Koutu Nui AGM in June 2009