What is considered saying too much?

[soundwave]

OK, I'm going to be getting that dispatcher position with my local Sheriff's department soon and heard that there was a dispatcher not too long ago that was fired for giving out information about something-or-other from one of the current dispatchers there. Now I'm wondering what exactly is considered "giving out information". From what I understand this person was talking about something that happened that day when someone asked them because, well, they work with the people that handled the call and probably dispatched them as well.

Our local newspaper has a Sheriff's Log that lists all the general information about what happened each week from the previous week. The log pretty much just says things like "deputies responded to an accident", "deputies cited a woman for driving with a suspended license", etc. Now remember, I have a really tiny town with a lot of people that are nosey who think they know everything about nothing and are usually into everybodys' business. So, what is considered like a breach of confidence when it comes to things like this? Is it considered a public relations thing or is it just specific information like Billy Joe beat up Sarah Lee or something?

Thanks in advance, everybody! =O)

[Deputy12]

Where I am, you can talk about what ever you want with whomever you want. But it better be with your department personel only. Don't call the dopers and tell them when your coming.
Sometimes, we don't know there is a raid until it happens. Stinks to be the last to know but I suppose there is a reason for it.
Small town, don't say anything, because it will find its way back. Friends will start to hate you because you won't tell them what is going on. But that is why its called a law enforcement family. You wouldn't spread family secrets now would you?

[Deputy12]

And one more thing. The most you may have to deal with is the local rag calling in the AM to ask if anything happened. Just tell them nothing and refer them to the US or Sheriff if they get pushy. That is their job to handle media release. At least it is here. If it is a large department, there may be someone else assigned that position.
When in doubt, just play dumb. It works for me. :D

[acreature]

Easiest answer to "What to, and what not to say" will be answered in your Policy Manual. ;)

[Gooch]

The thing about working in a small department is that everybody thinks they know everything there is to know but most of the info is fill-in-the-blanks half truths. "I heard that so-and-so is sleeping with a one-armed, albino prostitute", I could go on and on. Learn the job as best as you can and stay out of the alliances they try and get you into. Don't worry so much about the he said, she said stuff.

[Star]

OK, I'm going to be getting that dispatcher position with my local Sheriff's department soon and heard that there was a dispatcher not too long ago that was fired for giving out information about something-or-other from one of the current dispatchers there. Now I'm wondering what exactly is considered "giving out information".

Answer: Opening your mouth for anything other than receiving information or asking for information. A dispatcher should not be giving out any kind of information regarding a complaint. Public Record is available in the Clerk of the Court's office.

[Toeknee112]

What the Queen said!

[soundwave]

Thanks everybody. I was just wondering. Couldn't see how the person got fired without knowing they were going too far in what they were saying. =O) Cheers.

[Valor55]

You'll get training on releasing information. Depending on the source you may be very limited. Did the fired person release a criminal history? That's a huge no-no. But you will learn what you need to.

Keep in mind the offense the person got fired for may be a minor one but the end of a long list from a problem employee.