Hello - me again, this time in the guise of the Constabulary's Media Officer (so many hats)
There is a fine balance to be maintained in the reporting of matters like this, particuarly in a small island community where people are so well known. We cut our cloth accordingly. I liaise with the Senior Investigating Officer (SIO) and between us we develop a strategy which keeps the public appropriately informed, whilst not compromising his investigation. And a key part of releasing identities is the work we do with the family. The media know our stance on this, and understand why we have a lot of ground to cover before we officially release details.
I carry a phone dedicated to media inquiries around the clock, and the press have this number. We communicate freely,so they are able to prepare their schedules effectively. These conversations also enable them to understand why it might be inappropriate to report some particular issue at that time, rather than just getting a stonewall 'no comment' response. The feedback I get is that this works really well for them. I think we enjoy relationships where we sincerely trust each other, and respect each others professional needs well.
A couple of other things -
We haven't got any 'UK bizzies' over for this job. Its totally self-contained, and the twenty or so officers engaged in the investigation are drawn from CID and neighbourhood policing, with the corresponding knock-on of their absence being absorbed by their colleagues. A Home Office pathologist has attended, as they do with any homicide, and we have also benefitted from the services of an independent forensic scientist, who has been engaged to assist with some specific scientific support issues.
And finally, for a serious arrestable offence, detention can be authorised for up to 96 hours without charge. And the detention clock can stop and start (legally) for reasons detailed in the Police Powers and Procedures Act, which to the casual observer might make it look like that 96 hours is even longer.
Hope this helps.
