Online NewsHour: Boston Agreement -- April 30, 1999



	BOSTON AGREEMENT

April 30, 1999
		Prior to the Colorado school shootings, Boston and Massachusetts State Police negotiated an agreement with Boston news organizations establishing guidelines for live coverage of crisis situations. The following is the text of the agreement.

Online NewsHour Special Report:
Cops and Cameras

April 27, 1999:
Two senators discuss gun control

April 22, 1999:
The aftermath of the Colorado school shootings..

Oct. 15, 1998:
The White House hosts a forum to discuss ways to reduce school violence.

Aug. 11, 1998:
How should the legal system handle kids who kill?

May 22, 1998:
An examination of whether there is a growing trend of school violence.

March 26, 1998:
A panel discussion on the growth of youth violence.

March 25, 1998:
A report on the school shooting in Jonesboro, AR.

Browse Online NewsHour coverage of the media, youth, the law and education.

Radio and Televison News Directors Association

Massachusetts State Police

WHDH -- NBC Boston

KMGH -- ABC Denver

Live Coverage of Critical Incidents

Partnership Agreement for Responsible Broadcasting

In the past several years, the country has witnessed a troubling tendency during live media coverage of critical incidents. Compelled by increasing competition between media outlets, live coverage during emergency situations has sometimes ventured into dangerous territory, endangering the lives of hostages, bystanders, special teams of officers, and even members of the media. In Massachusetts, we have been fortunate to avoid these excesses, and we feel that it is due in great part to cooperation and understanding between the police and local media.

The primary mission of the Boston Police Department, Massachusetts State Police, and Brookline Police in any Critical Incident situation is the protection and preservation of life. Tactical decisions that are made in these instances shall be guided by the premise that preservation of life extends to all persons, and includes sworn personnel, media, hostages, suspects, and uninvolved bystanders.

Boston’s media have taken a step forward with this voluntary agreement towards cooperation and coordination of resources, without endangering lives or diminishing important news coverage. The following agreement covers only those particular incidents listed below, and will not be used on an ad-hoc basis:

Hostage Situation/Special Threat (Code 99)

Armed Barricaded Suspect

With this agreement, the electronic media agree to appoint among themselves a special pool camera (ground level) for shared coverage of critical incidents, and one (1) pool helicopter camera for aerial coverage. At the outbreak of a declared critical incident, all stations should consult with WBZ for the next in rotation on the special events pool list. WBZ will notify Media Relations in Boston, or the information officer of the affected agency, and an Information Officer will meet the designated pool videographer at the outer perimeter. The aerial coverage will be limited to one pool helicopter unless the Chief Hostage Negotiator for any reason determines it hazardous to the operation. A pool still photographer shall be also given an advantageous shot.

In turn for this agreement not to air either critical ground or aerial videotape until after the incident has been resolved, the police agency will provide the ground level camera a location within the inner perimeter, under the direction of the Chief Hostage Negotiator, and accompanied at all times by an officer from Media Relations. (The aerial coverage to be shared by those stations who would normally utilize their own helicopter.) The police agency will also provide frequent informational reports during the incident, as well as access to critical personnel after the incident. All television and radio stations agree that during barricaded suspect or hostage situations they will not in any way possible interfere with the negotiation process. This includes contacting by any means suspects, or other persons involved in the situation without the guidance of the Chief Hostage Negotiator. The Department will provide a media station in the outer perimeter of the incident where reporters can obtain information safely during the incident, without interfering in the tactical operations. Providing information shall include live remote stand-ups; interviews; and informational updates without including deployment information or video footage concerning tactical operations.

This agreement is not meant to limit coverage, but rather to enhance it with all due consideration to the safety of everyone involved. The agreement will be reviewed on a periodic basis, and may be revised by mutual assent as unforeseen issues arise.