The local TV station calls inquiring about a high-profile missing boater that you were involved in. The person was found in suspicious circumstances and the case was closed. What should be your next step?

The local TV station calls inquiring about a high-profile missing boater that you were involved in. The person was found in suspicious circumstances and the case was closed. What should be your next step?

• A. Release the name
• B. Direct the person to the Freedom of Information Act Officer
• C. Provide the officer's name
• D. Refuse all information

Answer: (B)

Handling media requests about investigations requires routing through the official information-release channel. The Freedom of Information Act Officer is the designated point person who reviews what can be released under law and policy, redacts sensitive details, and protects privacy while safeguarding the integrity of the investigation. In this scenario, you should direct the TV station to that officer so the request is handled properly and consistently. Releasing a name or providing contact details directly would bypass safeguards and could compromise privacy or the investigation, and outright refusing isn’t appropriate when there’s a formal process to handle requests.

Handling media requests about investigations requires routing through the official information-release channel. The Freedom of Information Act Officer is the designated point person who reviews what can be released under law and policy, redacts sensitive details, and protects privacy while safeguarding the integrity of the investigation. In this scenario, you should direct the TV station to that officer so the request is handled properly and consistently. Releasing a name or providing contact details directly would bypass safeguards and could compromise privacy or the investigation, and outright refusing isn’t appropriate when there’s a formal process to handle requests.