re: #429 Timothy Watson

It depends, most departments specifically tell employees they’re not allowed to the talk to the media (e.g., something like “all department communications to the media will be made through the Chief’s office or his designated press relations personnel”) or disclose information (for a number of reasons, including compromising investigations, etc.).

In addition, most officers have access to a statewide criminal information network, but most states also make it against the law to query the database for non-law enforcement reasons or disclose the information outside law enforcement personnel.

Right. The NCIC is only for law enforcement officers to use. And usually LEOs are reluctant to discuss ongoing cases, because advance publicity can sometimes prevent a conviction. But court proceedings are public record, and an enterprising reporter can do the legwork himself if he (or she) knows the jurisdiction of the trial.