Md. Code Regs. 12.12.23.05

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 12.12.23.05 - Emergencies

A. When an emergency or nonroutine incident occurs, the Public Information Office of the Office of the Secretary shall be notified immediately and, in most cases, shall be responsible for the release of information about the event. At the discretion of the Director and in consideration of the public safety, basic information about the event may be released by the Director.

B. In an unusual or emergency situation such as a riot, fire, job action, strike, escape, or another unusual occurrence as designated by the Director, media representatives are not allowed on the grounds of the Institution without express permission of the Director. The Director may prohibit the use of television or photographic equipment on the grounds of the Institution, if use of the equipment would exacerbate the situation and further jeopardize the safety of the Institution.

C. The Public Information Officer, with the advice and consent of the Director, shall establish media staging and parking areas. A representative of the media will remain within the designated area and will be briefed by the Public Information Officer.

D. Briefings by Public Information Officer.

(1) The public information officer shall prepare and present a preliminary briefing to the news media within 1 hour after arrival.

(2) During this briefing, the news media shall be informed of security procedures and safety requirements that will affect them, the nature of the emergency, and background information on the institution.

(3) At this time, a briefing timetable shall be established which will permit news media representatives to meet their deadlines.

(4) It shall be clearly explained to the news media that an inmate within the institution can monitor radio and television reports, and this prevents the release of certain information which could jeopardize security or response tactics.

(5) If, during the course of negotiations, an inmate requests that a member of the media be present and if that request is granted by the Director, then the media representative shall be advised that the media representative is expected to brief all other members of the media on site within 1 hour after negotiations have ended.

E. Representatives of the news media may not be permitted into areas of the institution other than the news media briefing area for any purpose without the approval of the Director. A request for pool photography or news media tours, or both, may be considered by the Director after the emergency is under control. Representatives of the media shall be advised that efforts to enter, or to have another person enter, the prohibited area for the purposes of filming the event or interviewing inmates may not be tolerated. If the Public Information Officer has reason to believe that a restriction of aircraft overflights is necessary, the Public Information Officer shall notify the Federal Aviation Administration to seek a restriction.

Md. Code Regs. 12.12.23.05