It is no secret that many police officers who would not pause before entering a darkened building to pursue an armed offender blanch at the approach of a twentysomething news reporter armed with a pad and pencil. The men and women who lead law enforcement agencies cannot afford to be so shy. For police leaders, the ability to communicate clearly is a necessity; communicating effectively with the public is an absolute necessity. The news media represent police leaders’ most valuable tools for reaching that public.

The truth is that law enforcement executives’ lives are better if they enjoy a good working relationship with the local media. That does not require that they “kiss up” to anyone. It also does not mean that they must like every reporter they encounter. It does require that they make an earnest effort to work constructively with the media and ensure that the other members of their agencies do the same.

An effective working relationship with the media starts with establishing credibility. Police leaders’ reputations for integrity are their most precious assets. Personal integrity includes the responsibility for telling the truth—that includes being truthful with reporters. Police leaders really can survive the media circus—even when they find themselves in the center ring.