Outstanding article!! Even LEA’s don’t allow an officer, deputy, or trooper talk to the media after an OIS. Media is always handled by the PIO, or the Chief or Sheriff, especially in an OIS. Churches who have an active Safety Team in place where members are armed, should not only be trained but a good PIO or the Pastor should be in front for the church and the congregation in the event something like that occurs. Put in writing in your policy and procedure for the church safety team.
Actually Keith, you really are not free to talk until the statute of limitations has run out. Just because one prosecutor doesn’t charge doesn’t mean he won’t be pressured to later, or another one comes along that will.
I have a friend in that predicament. He held malefactors at gunpoint until police arrived. He hasn’t been charged. His lawyer recommended he keep his comments brief and scripted until the clock runs out.
I don't always agree with Keith and have had some open disagreements with him, but I've also posted in support when he hits the nail on the head...and he hit it squarely on the head with this one.
SOLID ADVICE, KEITH!
In the aftermath of a physical conflict, just shut up. Now, that doesn't preclude asking if anyone else has been injured, having someone call 911, and giving LE what Mas Ayoob calls a "brief statement", e.g. "He came at me with a knife and said he was going to kill me so I shot him to stop him from killing me. His knife is over there under the car." Some would disagree and have you say nothing - I won't argue with that. You do you. One caveat to the brief statement is that once people start talking, they have a tendency to keep talking, i.e. the brief statement becomes stuff that you may regret in a courtroom when the prosecutor twists your words around.
The only thing I would add - and Keith hinted at this - in some states, a finding of not guilty in a criminal trial precludes civil liability. However, it does not preclude civil prosecution (some states prohibit civil prosecution and some civil liability - if you are prosecuted, you still have attorney costs). And depending on how the state law is worded, a no bill or inaction by the DA can still leave you open for civil prosecution.
If you search for past articles, I wrote an article about media relations for churches. I do see training come up every once in a while, but it can be pricey sometimes. I don’t have anything specific so you’ll just have to search in your area to see what comes up
I try really hard to not post negative comments, but this person is going to make themselves another butthole. Finger on the trigger while shoving it in their pants. Not good.
I watch a lot of your content, it's always great. But, choose a better Pic next time please.
One other thing. Post-shooting, don't get with your team members and tell them what to say or how to say it in order to have a "united front". That's a crime called subornation of perjury. It is a felony in most states and trained investigators will spot it very quickly.
We have spoken with the Church-related attorneys and Public relations experts and they agree that a small narrative that is innocuous ensures there are no single-sided narratives. Outside of our Church, I operate an 83-Acre range facility with 12 ranges. We had a couple accuse us of allowing bullet projectiles to hit their house, despite the ballistic data saying otherwise. We were never contacted by them nor the police. Instead, we had a throng of TV cameras, Newsprint reporters outside of our gate barraging us. With proper guidance, we did not address the merits of the complaint because we, "didn't have any information," I simply stated, we had not been contacted. But here we are 3 years later (We are the Plaintiffs) And it was pointed out that I gave no useful information but that I did put a human face and modicum of human concern out there. That goes a long way and has served us well in the community. While I do not disagree with you, I also believe allowing the opponents single-sided narrative to prevail on all fronts isn't useful.
I think you might’ve misunderstood my article. My point is that the shooter should never talk to the press ever. However, the church should put something out, but it should be from somebody that is disassociated from the incident.
Thank you so much for all the great advise. I will share with my team as well.
Wow amazing advice brother thank you 😊
Outstanding article!! Even LEA’s don’t allow an officer, deputy, or trooper talk to the media after an OIS. Media is always handled by the PIO, or the Chief or Sheriff, especially in an OIS. Churches who have an active Safety Team in place where members are armed, should not only be trained but a good PIO or the Pastor should be in front for the church and the congregation in the event something like that occurs. Put in writing in your policy and procedure for the church safety team.
Actually Keith, you really are not free to talk until the statute of limitations has run out. Just because one prosecutor doesn’t charge doesn’t mean he won’t be pressured to later, or another one comes along that will.
I have a friend in that predicament. He held malefactors at gunpoint until police arrived. He hasn’t been charged. His lawyer recommended he keep his comments brief and scripted until the clock runs out.
This is Washington by the way.
Thank you Keith. Excellent counsel!
Thanks Keith, ill share this with our team!
Buddy
Community Bible Church
Tipp City, OH
I don't always agree with Keith and have had some open disagreements with him, but I've also posted in support when he hits the nail on the head...and he hit it squarely on the head with this one.
SOLID ADVICE, KEITH!
In the aftermath of a physical conflict, just shut up. Now, that doesn't preclude asking if anyone else has been injured, having someone call 911, and giving LE what Mas Ayoob calls a "brief statement", e.g. "He came at me with a knife and said he was going to kill me so I shot him to stop him from killing me. His knife is over there under the car." Some would disagree and have you say nothing - I won't argue with that. You do you. One caveat to the brief statement is that once people start talking, they have a tendency to keep talking, i.e. the brief statement becomes stuff that you may regret in a courtroom when the prosecutor twists your words around.
The only thing I would add - and Keith hinted at this - in some states, a finding of not guilty in a criminal trial precludes civil liability. However, it does not preclude civil prosecution (some states prohibit civil prosecution and some civil liability - if you are prosecuted, you still have attorney costs). And depending on how the state law is worded, a no bill or inaction by the DA can still leave you open for civil prosecution.
Well said, Keith. Never talk to the police without an attorney, and NEVER talk to the media.
Amen To That...
Great Advice
Do you have any recommendations where do get public/media relations training for one or two church members?
If you search for past articles, I wrote an article about media relations for churches. I do see training come up every once in a while, but it can be pricey sometimes. I don’t have anything specific so you’ll just have to search in your area to see what comes up
I try really hard to not post negative comments, but this person is going to make themselves another butthole. Finger on the trigger while shoving it in their pants. Not good.
I watch a lot of your content, it's always great. But, choose a better Pic next time please.
Excellent piece of wise advice. Thankful for your ministry
One other thing. Post-shooting, don't get with your team members and tell them what to say or how to say it in order to have a "united front". That's a crime called subornation of perjury. It is a felony in most states and trained investigators will spot it very quickly.
We have spoken with the Church-related attorneys and Public relations experts and they agree that a small narrative that is innocuous ensures there are no single-sided narratives. Outside of our Church, I operate an 83-Acre range facility with 12 ranges. We had a couple accuse us of allowing bullet projectiles to hit their house, despite the ballistic data saying otherwise. We were never contacted by them nor the police. Instead, we had a throng of TV cameras, Newsprint reporters outside of our gate barraging us. With proper guidance, we did not address the merits of the complaint because we, "didn't have any information," I simply stated, we had not been contacted. But here we are 3 years later (We are the Plaintiffs) And it was pointed out that I gave no useful information but that I did put a human face and modicum of human concern out there. That goes a long way and has served us well in the community. While I do not disagree with you, I also believe allowing the opponents single-sided narrative to prevail on all fronts isn't useful.
I think you might’ve misunderstood my article. My point is that the shooter should never talk to the press ever. However, the church should put something out, but it should be from somebody that is disassociated from the incident.
Thanks for the wise advice!
Amazing words of wisdom! As usual Biblically grounded. Thank you for all you do!
Perfect advice. Great job as always.