Advise on dealing with Public Relations?

[Blacksin]

Hi all,

Been a while since I've posted, but I'm an author currently writing her first mystery book and I'm trying to conduct research. I live in Seattle and my story is set here, but I'm having a time trying to coordinate with the Public Relations department of the SPD. The first time I called, I talked with a very nice relations officer and he said he'd be happy to try to help me out with passing my information along to anyone who might be interested in interviewing with me, and set up some ride alongs so I can learn about the department first hand. Since then, I haven't been able to get a hold of him by phone or e-mail and it's been nearly a month.

I critically need this information, but I'm lost on how to proceed and wondering if there is something wrong or if I'm just not being taken seriously. If any of you have any ideas, I would greatly appreciate it because I can't complete my work without their help.

Thank you,
Laura Blacksin

[Terminator]

I critically need this information, but I'm lost on how to proceed and wondering if there is something wrong or if I'm just not being taken seriously.

First, I would suggest you not put your name in the post for privacy and security reasons. Maybe a site moderator will catch this and edited it out for you.

Second, what information do you need?

[Blacksin]

Erk, good point. I'll be more mindful in the future. Mostly, I need to learn about the culture. I've done a lot of research on police training, organization, equipment preferences, procedures, etc. but I really don't understand what you guys live and work with. Plus, I've learned every police department is different, so I need to learn how MY department structures itself and does procedure.

Watching CSI and Law and Order is fun, but readers WILL pick up whether I'm just hacking it or not.

[Terminator]

Watching CSI and Law and Order is fun, but readers WILL pick up whether I'm just hacking it or not.

Some will, some won't.

Go down to the police department during business hours and speak to someone. Much harder to avoid someone that way... ;)

[TPDHellhound]

I've done a lot of research on police training, organization, equipment preferences, procedures, etc. but I really don't understand what you guys live and work with. Plus, I've learned every police department is different, so I need to learn how MY department structures itself and does procedure.

Watching CSI and Law and Order is fun, but readers WILL pick up whether I'm just hacking it or not.

The readers will pick up on the subtleties, especially if you're not an officer. But who is your target audience? If it's police officers then you may be in a tough position. If it's the general public, then you will get away with being a little less accurate. Any police officer will tell you that CSI and Law/Order is very Hollywood! Even COPS (which is the most accurate) is edited for TV and doesn't give you the full perspective of being an officer.

One month isn't a long time to wait for a ride along. I'd imagine that your research period will take months, or even years, in order to get an accurate idea of LEO's daily routine. Keep trying to reach the officer, or try someone different.

As for your story being accurate to the Seattle area... most agencies run in a similar manner. Research other areas also while you're waiting for Seattle to call you.

[TPDHellhound]

Oops, forgot to proofread!

[Kimble]

I don't currently work for our department's PR office, but I was previously the assistant to our department's Public Information Officer. I don't know if I can be of any assistance to you (don't know if the info you want is SPD-specific or for LE in general), but if so, feel free to drop me a PM.

[Terminator]

...I was previously the assistant to our department's Public Information Officer.

Per TOS, I will not post what I was going to... :p

[Blacksin]

The readers will pick up on the subtleties, especially if you're not an officer. But who is your target audience? If it's police officers then you may be in a tough position. If it's the general public, then you will get away with being a little less accurate. Any police officer will tell you that CSI and Law/Order is very Hollywood! Even COPS (which is the most accurate) is edited for TV and doesn't give you the full perspective of being an officer.

Very true. Which is why I'd prefer to speak to real officers. My target audiance is mostly general public, so I could get away with a lot. But if I end up doing the legendary writing goofs like putting a safety on a revolver or having the forensics team putting evidence in zip-locks, people are going to know.

One month isn't a long time to wait for a ride along. I'd imagine that your research period will take months, or even years, in order to get an accurate idea of LEO's daily routine. Keep trying to reach the officer, or try someone different.

I know, I realize I'm kind of asking a huge favor for this. I'm just wondering why I'm not getting a call back to at least tell me "We're busy right now."

I just don't want to be viewed as a pain in the rear. Never gets you anywhere.

As for your story being accurate to the Seattle area... most agencies run in a similar manner. Research other areas also while you're waiting for Seattle to call you.

That's a good idea. I'll try giving the neighboring city PD's a call. Thanks!

[TPDHellhound]

If there are any specific questions I can answer, send me a PM.