POLICY BULLETIN

PDF

COMMISSIONER'S DIRECTIVE 022 - MEDIA RELATIONS

Why was the policy changed?

An amendment and clarification has been made to explicitly make a “risk to the health and safety of any person, including a victim or a member of a victim's family” a factor in an Operational Unit Head's consideration of a request for media interview(s) with an offender. This amendment is necessary in order to ensure a more consistent application of the policy.

Changes have also been made to reflect the present name of the Communications and Citizen Engagement Sector, where it appears in the CD.

What has changed?

In the current version of the CD, Operational Unit Heads are required to consider the potential for “a risk to any person”, before granting an offender's request to be interviewed by a member of the media. This amendment and clarification ensures that the health and safety of any person is a factor taken in consideration, and this also includes potential adverse impact on a victim or a member of the victim's family.

Prohibiting an offender's communications with the media due to potential adverse impact on any person must have an objective and distinct connection to the person's health and safety. The notion of a person's safety is extensive enough to include emotional upset or trauma that is so significant as to pose risks to the health and security of the person.

How was it developed?

This amendment has been developed in consultation with Media Relations officials at NHQ and in the Regions as well as Legal Services.

Accountabilities?

Accountability remains with the Operational Unit Heads.

Who will be affected by the policy?

Operational Unit Heads.

Expected cost?

No expected costs.

Other impacts?

N/A.

Contact:

Michèle Pilon-Santilli
National Director, Media Relations
(613) 943-2573
SantilliMI@csc-scc.gc.ca

Table of Contents