Adopted at the 122nd Annual Conference
Chicago, Illinois
October 2015

Requesting the Support of the Media to Embrace No Notoriety

Submitted by: The IACP Board of Officers
BD.017.t15

WHEREAS, the quest for notoriety and infamy is a well-known motivating factor in mass killings and violent copycat crimes.

WHEREAS, the IACP calls on media to limit the name and likeness of the individual from reporting after initial identification, except when the alleged assailant is still at large and in doing so would aid in the assailant's capture, and

WHEREAS, the IACP requests that media refuse to broadcast/publish photos and/or self-serving statements made by the individual.

WHEREAS, the IACP calls on media to elevate the names and likenesses of all victims killed to send the message their lives are more important than the killer, and

WHEREAS, the IACP urges media to recognize that the prospect of infamy could serve as a motivating factor for other individuals to kill others and could inspire copycat crimes.

WHEREAS, the media should keep this responsibility in mind when reporting.

WHEREAS, the IACP should urge the media to promote data and analysis from experts in mental health, public safety, and other relevant professions to support further steps to help eliminate the motivation behind mass murder. Recognize that the individual's name and likeness is irrelevant to media coverage of such acts unless the alleged assailant is at large.

RESOLVED, that the International Association of Chiefs of Police requests that in an effort to reduce future tragedies, we request responsible media coverage for the sake of public safety when reporting on individuals who commit or attempt acts of rampage mass violence thereby depriving violent like-minded individuals the media celebrity and media spotlight they so crave.