Reporter Goes After Illegally Parked Cop Cars, They Retaliate

[Sigonfile]

A St louis TV reporter, trying to do a "shock" story on how Police "illegally" park in front of the cop shop, kicks a hornet's nest, and they start issuing tickets to all news agencie's vehicles that do the same. The PIO from the PD called and said that "Live trucks" from the local TV stations would now recieve a tcket if they parked in front of the PD HQs. TV stations have parked on the sidewalk to do stories for the last 25 years. All it takes is one idiot to ruin the "pact" with the PD, that has been around for years.

[east coast producer]

I care about this issue. Thank you for bringing it to my attention.

[tater]

But it begs the question...who polices the police?

[News Is Broken]

A St louis TV reporter, trying to do a "shock" story on how Police "illegally" park in front of the cop shop, kicks a hornet's nest, and they start issuing tickets to all news agencie's vehicles that do the same. The PIO from the PD called and said that "Live trucks" from the local TV stations would now recieve a tcket if they parked in front of the PD HQs. TV stations have parked on the sidewalk to do stories for the last 25 years. All it takes is one idiot to ruin the "pact" with the PD, that has been around for years.

I blame a shortage of Georgia Reporters.

[ewink]

But it begs the question...who polices the police?
Coast guard.

Police are actually probably doing these stations a favor. Maybe no more dog licks in front of the police station.

[News Is Broken]

Coast guard.

Police are actually probably doing these stations a favor. Maybe no more dog licks in front of the police station.

Indeed! They'll do 'em from the parking lot instead. :thumbsup:

[Mighty Dyckerson]

Two can play at that game. Next time the pigs ask you to air a mug shot of a wanted criminal, tell them you had to lay off the graphics guy to pay the parking tickets.

[Sigonfile]

They (the police) are already in the midst of a scandal involving towed vehicles. They were having them towed and then selling them. Feds are investigating and numerous ranking brass may be involved. Bad tme to step on more toes with the parking at HQ story.

[ewink]

They (the police) are already in the midst of a scandal involving towed vehicles. They were having them towed and then selling them. Feds are investigating and numerous ranking brass may be involved. Bad tme to step on more toes with the parking at HQ story.
So you're saying the press should only do stories on the police when it's convenient for the police?

[Sigonfile]

I'm just saying, "Check how deep the water is before you dive in." "You might end up with a broken neck"!

[Diplomat]

So you're saying the press should only do stories on the police when it's convenient for the police?

Too many media in my town do. The police chief could rape someone at knifepoint in front of City Hall and the daily newspaper would blame the victim.

[ISTHISTHINGON?]

Cops are like Politicians. Except I give the po-po a 4-1 ratio good to bad. The Pols are more 4 outta 5 crooked.

[Diplomat]

Cops are like Politicians. Except I give the po-po a 4-1 ratio good to bad. The Pols are more 4 outta 5 crooked.

Our previous police chief was good and one of whom we could be proud. He was accessible and knew he was there to serve the people. This one is a buffoon and a publicity whore, although he has been invisible during the McNair thing; maybe someone finally told him to back off the antics. Now, if someone at City Hall would make him submit to an independent audit.....

[ewink]

I quite frankly think we (the media) get way to cozy with the police, especially if it's a 'media friendly' department, in fear of 'losing access' and no longer getting tips. I've always felt that relationships would normalize again after a negative story because there would only be so long the police could go without the 'look at us' attention whoring stories about SWAT raids and dead-beat dad roundups.

[Diplomat]

I quite frankly think we (the media) get way to cozy with the police, especially if it's a 'media friendly' department, in fear of 'losing access' and no longer getting tips. I've always felt that relationships would normalize again after a negative story because there would only be so long the police could go without the 'look at us' attention whoring stories about SWAT raids and dead-beat dad roundups.

I know you are not a religious person, but may I give you a loud Amen?

You are right on the money.

[adam & doctor drew]

I quite frankly think we (the media) get way to cozy with the police, especially if it's a 'media friendly' department, in fear of 'losing access' and no longer getting tips. I've always felt that relationships would normalize again after a negative story because there would only be so long the police could go without the 'look at us' attention whoring stories about SWAT raids and dead-beat dad roundups.

totally agree.
how much access, and how many tips, are you really getting now anyway?

[Diplomat]

In some of the cities where I've lived, the police department could save money by firing their PR guys, since there were always at least one or two newsies who flacked for the cops at no cost to them.

[Ralphie the buffalo]

A St louis TV reporter, trying to do a "shock" story on how Police "illegally" park in front of the cop shop

http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1830/3483/1600/allen%20iverson.jpg

"We're talking about parking, man. I mean, how silly is that? We're talking about parking. I know I'm (not) supposed to be there. I know I'm supposed to lead by example . . . I know it's important . . . I honestly do. But we're talking about parking, man. What are we talking about? Parking?"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frsId3goYYE

[Diggin' Bear]

I quite frankly think we (the media) get way to cozy with the police, especially if it's a 'media friendly' department, in fear of 'losing access' and no longer getting tips. I've always felt that relationships would normalize again after a negative story because there would only be so long the police could go without the 'look at us' attention whoring stories about SWAT raids and dead-beat dad roundups.

Absolutely. Dead on! I've seen too many (often female) reporters who cozied up to specific officers in an effort to get stories instead of using legwork or more traditional sources. I've seen news directors (including my last one, who was a complete weasel!) basically suck off the PIO in an effort to slack off on coverage because they didn't want people 'wasting time' on digging out stuff the pdx didn't want out there.

The last town I lived in had a LOT of good officers. Some of my own relatives worked in the department. Some of my friends (who I played different sports and worked on cars with!) worked in the department. Some of my professional friends were former officers in the department. I broke more stories NOT using those connections and that led to a lot more respect and courtesy than 'playing the game.'

I'm amazed that people mix up having a professional relationship with compromising real journalistic independence. The two are not incompatible.