Today’s law enforcement agencies face increasing public scrutiny, rapidly evolving technology, growing media demands, and heightened expectations for transparency. This training prepares records personnel, PIOs, supervisors, and other public safety professionals to confidently manage three increasingly challenging areas: interactions with First Amendment auditors, high-volume records requests during critical incidents, and requests for records generated by modern surveillance technologies.

Participants will learn how to appropriately respond when First Amendment auditors film law enforcement personnel or facilities, request records, or test agency practices, with an emphasis on legal compliance, de-escalation, professionalism, and risk reduction. The training also provides practical strategies for managing large volumes of sensitive public and media requests during and following critical or high-profile incidents, including when to consider pre-emptive release, how to coordinate with command staff and investigators, and how to communicate effectively under intense time and public pressure.

The training also addresses the growing challenges associated with records created by drones (UAS), Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPR), and other surveillance technologies. Participants will explore applicable public records laws and exemptions, privacy considerations, protection of sensitive law enforcement information, and practical approaches to reviewing, redacting, and releasing video, images, and data. Gain practical tools for navigating today’s complex records environment while balancing the public’s right to know with individual privacy, investigative integrity, operational security, and the agency’s legal responsibilities.