FOR THE MEDIA...
We respond to media requests as early as possible, release public safety information in a timely manner and accommodate other media requests when needed. It's our goal to provide timely information of value to the community, while complying with public disclosure laws and protecting the integrity of criminal investigations.
PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
Media relations is currently assigned to Commander Josh McClure.
PIO is one of several assigned duties. We will make every attempt to respond to inquires as promptly as possible. The PIO can be reached during regular business hours at 425-275-4615 or by email at [email protected]. After hours inquires should be directed to the email address and will normally be responded to the following morning. EPD will primarily use Twitter to update the community and media about developing or active incidents.
GETTING INFORMATION
Requests for general information regarding an incident or program can be made by calling the department PIO during regular business hours. Copies of press releases will be archived and posted on here as they are released. In an effort to increase transparency and get information out quickly, the department uses two social media platforms: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Breaking news will be posted to Twitter account first. Any longer media releases will be released when appropriate on those platforms and archived on the police department webpage.
PRESS RELEASES
The designated department Public Information Officer may distribute press releases for the following reasons:
- To notify the media of an upcoming event or press conference.
- To provide detailed information either separate from or in conjunction with a press conference.
- To seek media assistance with:
- Missing children
- Missing elderly
- Missing impaired person
- To advise of a matter of public safety or traffic concern.
- To announce personnel changes such as promotions, transfers, awards and commendations or to advise of a department community program.
INFORMATION THE PIO DOES NOT RELEASE:
- Victim or witness identities.
- Identity of juveniles (individuals under 18 years of age).
- Identity of deceased persons (must be obtained from the Medical Examiner's office).
- Criminal History information of any person.
- Medical condition/information of any person.
- Results of any investigative procedure such as line-ups, interviews/interrogations, polygraph tests, toxicology tests, etc.
- Information which, if prematurely released, may interfere with an investigation or apprehension of a suspect, such as the nature of leads, specifics of an "MO", details of the crime known only to the perpetrator or police, information that may cause the suspect to flee to avoid arrest.
- Evidence information that could adversely affect a court proceeding.
- Status of persons turned over to Behavioral Health Services or Child Protective Services.
- Booking Photos or "Mug shots".
- Video surveillance footage is not routinely released and is considered evidence in an investigation. If public assistance will aid in the investigation the video footage may be released to the media at the investigators discretion.
PUBLIC RECORDS REQUESTS
In an effort to maintain compliance with the requirements of the Public Records Act and relevant Washington State Public Records Laws, requests for copies of police reports or information beyond the scope of the information provided by the PIO, should be made to our Records Unit.
The City of Edmonds uses an online program to process public disclosure requests (GovQA). This allows us to complete requests in the most efficient manner possible. We encourage anyone making a request to use this method when submitting requests for records to the city.
To make a public disclosure request, click the icon below:
If you are unable or choose not to utilize our online request option, you may still complete our specific Public Disclosure Request form. Once completed, it may mailed, faxed, emailed or dropped off during normal business hours.