News Media Training for Narcotics Commanders and Law Enforcement Leaders

REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

The Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS), in partnership with the Washington/Baltimore High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas (HIDTA) and the Regional Counterdrug Training Academy (RCTA) is pleased to announce the “News Media Training for Narcotics Commanders and Law Enforcement Leaders" training. 

Course Description:

This three-day course is designed to equip Public Information Officers (PIOs), Command Staff, and First Responders with the skills to quickly and efficiently respond to urgent media demands. Participants will learn how to build successful media relations programs that deliver their agency’s messages to citizens through traditional and social media. 

This class combines lectures with hands-on exercises, including on-camera training. Participants will simulate “crisis” scenarios and practice delivering briefings during breaking news situations. Classmates will assume the roles of aggressive reporters, and critiques and group discussions will follow the exercise. 

This course traces the development of news media and provides the history that has led to the emergence of social media as an important force. Students will exchange best practices for using social media to promote their agency's goals and objectives. 

Topics to be covered:

• Proactively managing media relations and responding to news demands
• Improving on-camera performance for interviews and public appearances
• Controlling TV, radio, online, and print interviews
• Staging and conducting successful press conferences
• Writing press releases that shape the story and encourage coverage
• Managing media relations during a crisis
• Anticipating media demands and understanding what drives media coverage
• Building and maintaining trusting relationships with reporters and editors
• Enhancing an agency's reputation by promoting its positive achievements

Who should attend?

This training is open to sworn law enforcement and public information officers. 

Partial In-service Credit:

Partial In-service Credit (PIC) for Virginia law enforcement officers is available for this course.  

Cost and Registration:

There is no cost to attend this training, however pre-registration is required.  

To Register:

• Click this LINK and follow the instructions to register.

Travel, Lodging, and Meals:

Participants are responsible for their transportation and lodging arrangements and expenses.

Training Time and Details:

Check-in will begin at 7:30 am

The course will be held from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm each day