RCMP put on leash: Toronto Star
Journalists may have a tough time getting RCMP to go off-message thanks to a new protocol that puts officers on a much tighter leash.
Journalists may have a tough time getting RCMP to go off-message thanks to a new protocol that puts officers on a much tighter leash.
According to a recent story in the Toronto Star, the federal government has created a new communications protocol that requires RCMP to flag anything that might catch national media attention. That means everything from media advisories, news releases, background info, media lines and talking points for RCMP spokespersons and officials.
As the Star reports, many RCMP officers across the country have expressed concern that the new directive will make it difficult for them to communicate with media on local issues, or in issuing Amber Alerts or dangerous person warnings. They’ve been told it won’t; it’s only major operational events that fall under the new policy. Not everybody believes this, however.
For more, check out the Star’s story.
