West Virginia Reporter Dan Heyman

I went to the capitol to do my job and

ask a question not looking for trouble
or intending to disrupt some state
process. But for asking a question, the
capitol police took my phone, handcuffed
me, fingerprinted me and sent me off in
an orange jumpsuit. I was released from
jail seven hours later.
 Your newsroom should have systematic
procedures for communication of threat, arrest
or injury, or a call for "rescue" or a meeting
place should a retreat be necessary.
Athletes dont enter a game cold; actors go
through multiple rehearsals

Why would you show up on game day without

any idea of the scene, the players or your lines?

Consider a crib sheet

Partner with others from your publication, with
other publications and with authorities
(both formally and informally)

Always work in teams when you know safety will be an

issue

Set aside competition for the sake of safety

Take your relationship with the authorities from the

adversarial to the amicable
 Educate yourself and your staff on media
law topics
These groups have legal resources and hotlines:

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

1-800-336-4243

American Society of News Editors (Kevin Goldberg)

1-703-812-0462

Committee to Protect Journalists/Americas

1-212-465-1004
Only pick those fights worth fighting. Learn to live to fight another
day

You dont have to turn and run immediately but you should follow
directions

Respect boundaries being set by law enforcement or emergency response

personnel

The Privacy Protection Act of 1980 (42 U.S.C. 2000aa et seq) limits
ability of law enforcement to seize your property

BE FIRM AND FORCEFUL BUT NEVER PICK A FIGHT WITH A MAN WITH A GUN
Retain an attorney; formalize that relationship
or at least -- identify a possible attorney you
might eventually use and start the engagement
process, since that process often takes time
It takes time to find and attorney and even more time to go
through the engagement process; make sure that is done
now, even if that costs money up front (consider it
insurance)

Have that attorney on speed dial

If you are a member of a professional association, have that

associations attorney on speed dial (if youre not, consider
joining one)
 Use these controversies as an opportunity to start or continue valuable
discussions about the meaning of and need for vibrant freedoms of speech and
press

Arrests and assaults of journalists are NOT

acceptable

Write about it, personalize it, explain why it matters

to the public at large (many of whom may still view
you as the enemy) make it relatable to them
 What to do if Preparation Fails

Try not to panic

Remain firm but not combative; re-identify yourself as press

(including your publication)

Make eye contact with a friendly face in the crowd and let them
know what is happening and who to contact

Try to get them to record

Try to record yourself

 Acknowledge your limitations by having an
open, honest discussion about how far youre
willing to go to get the story and by having
conversations with attorneys and insurance
companies

Understand the legal and professional protection you will

have

Be certain insurance covers physical injuries

Freelancers: get insurance!