Section 379.06. News media access to youth.

 

(1)  It is the policy of the department to permit visits to correctional institutions by representatives of the news media. Visits and interviews by representatives of the news media with staff and youth can foster the public's understanding of the qualities, problems and needs of youth and institutions. That understanding helps to develop community acceptance and support of correctional objectives which enhances the achievement of those objectives, including reintegration into the community.

(2)  If a representative of the news media requests an opportunity to interview a youth, the superintendent may permit the interview consistent with institution needs and program needs of the youth. The superintendent shall obtain parental or guardian approval for a youth under the age of 18 before the interview. An interview may be refused if any of the following occur:

(a) The superintendent determines that an interview will jeopardize or be detrimental to the safety or order of the institution or the welfare or program of a youth.

(b) The clinical services supervisor believes that the youth has emotional problems which are likely to be exacerbated by an interview or believes the youth is mentally ill.

(c) The youth is in close confinement.

(d) The youth refuses to be interviewed.

(e) The parents of a youth under the age of 18 years object to the interview.

(f) The welfare of the victim, the victim's family or the community would be jeopardized.

(3)  Representatives of the news media may not photograph any youth in a manner that would reveal the identity of the youth.

(4)  All visits and interviews conducted under this section are subject to specific policies and procedures of the superintendent as to time, location, length, staff presence and the equipment used. The superintendent may terminate an interview consistent with this chapter at any time.

(5)  All representatives of the news media who are granted interviews under this section shall sign a prior written agreement not to reveal the identity of any youth or to disclose information that would lead to the youth's identity.

(6)  A superintendent may permit anonymous interviews of a youth.

History: Cr. Register, June, 2000, No. 534 , eff. 7-1-00.