Public & Press Relations

Overview

Police Department operations are generally matters of public record and often public interest. As such, the Menomonee Falls Police Department has the responsibility to provide citizens with information about those matters. The vehicle through which the public receives information is frequently the news media.

It is the policy of the Menomonee Falls Police Department to cooperate fully and impartially with the news media in fulfilling its responsibility of informing the public of events within the public domain that are handled by, or involve the department, to the extent permitted by law. It is the department's intent to maintain a good rapport with the news media and to develop a professional and viable working relationship.

Press Releases

Official department press releases may be prepared and provided to the media for the following classification of incidents/events:

  • Incidents involving the commission of a serious crime, great bodily harm, extensive property damage or otherwise newsworthy events.
  • Multiple arrest incidents involving controlled substances or other felonies.
  • Fatal traffic crashes.
  • Newsworthy information concerning promotions, projects, programs or other activities of the department.
  • Any incident in which a Duty Commander or Chief of Police determines that the most appropriate method of announcement is the press release.

Press Conferences

The Chief of Police, or his/her designee, shall be the official police department spokesman at all press conferences.

Formal live press conferences will be conducted in a room deemed appropriate, taking the size and nature of the press conference into consideration.

Social Media

The Department also strives to communicate directly to the public through social media, currently using this website and Twitter (@ProtectTheFalls). Social media allows the Department to provide more timely information that may concern public safety, road closures, explanations of a “police presence,” and to ensure that accurate information is being presented.

Use of Force Policy

In accordance with Wisconsin Act 49, the Menomonee Falls Police Department's Use of Force policy is available for review: 5109 Use of Force Policy