What must OKCFD personnel do before contacting the media about departmental activities?

Before contacting the media about departmental activities, it is essential for OKCFD personnel to obtain approval from the Battalion Chief of Public Relations and Marketing. This process ensures that all communications align with the department’s goals, policies, and the specific message that needs to be conveyed to the public. Having a designated authority, such as the Battalion Chief of Public Relations and Marketing, help manage media interactions promotes consistency in messaging and helps to prevent the spread of inaccurate information. This structured approach is crucial in maintaining the integrity of the department’s public image and ensuring that any information shared is appropriate, timely, and relevant.

The other options, while potentially helpful actions, do not represent the direct requirement for engaging with the media. For example, reviewing media guidelines could be beneficial but is not mandatory. Completing an internal report might serve internal purposes but again does not replace the necessary approval process. Consulting with fellow officers could provide additional insights, but it does not fulfill the requirement for official media communication. Thus, obtaining approval is the critical step that ensures proper protocols are followed.