Release of Police Information

Although the police department may wish to share information, this can be a quandary that requires the police to balance the interests of the public with legal procedures. Specific legal procedures often guide what police can and cannot publicly state. As an example, police cannot respond to "baited" questions that could potentially bias a future juror member. In addition, police cannot make statements that would heighten the condemnation of the accused. In this situation, police may either refuse to answer the query or provide other related information that is permissible under legal procedure.

Often times during an active police investigation, police will refuse to release details of the investigation. It must be understood that in releasing investigative information, officers could potentially compromise the safety of the victims and the integrity of the investigation. Therefore, during an active police investigation, police are often silent about specific police operations and more focused on providing the public with information in order to lessen the risk of future victimization.

It should be known that individual states within the United States have different rules and court procedures concerning the release of police investigative information. The information listed in this article concerns Massachusetts rules of court procedure.

To the casual observer, it might seem that not enough information is released. Please understand if information is given prematurely, there is little benefit and greater likelihood of misinformation.