The Public Relations Division of the Los Santos Police Department is empowered to distribute new media ID cards, also known as press passes, to individuals who are deemed by the Division to be legitimate representatives of news media organizations or independent journalists and photographers. This pass grants the holder the privilege to approach closer to established police and fire lines for the purpose of reporting on incidents occurring behind these lines. Additionally, it allows the holder to attend official Department events such as job fairs, academy graduations, etc., for the purpose of live broadcasting and capturing still images and videos.
The roster of individuals possessing LSPD-issued press passes will be shared with associated partner agencies. Each associated agency retains the right to decide whether to recognize the press pass.
While press pass holders are granted the privilege to approach closer to established police and fire lines to report on incidents, they are required to comply with all instructions given on-site by Department sworn personnel and associated agencies, and must not disrupt the scene.
Press pass holders are obligated to maintain an appropriate distance from physical evidence on-site and are prohibited from touching or interfering with evidence, bodies, and other items within the established police and fire lines. Violation of this rule will result in the expulsion of the press pass holder from the scene and may lead to charges under Title 1, Section 141 of the San Andreas Penal Code, pertaining to Planting or Tampering with Evidence.
The Public Information Director (Commanding Officer) reserves the right to rescind press passes if a press pass holder is found to have violated any relevant section of the Department's Public Relations Division Manual.
Furthermore, press passes can be rescinded due to a consistent pattern of factually inaccurate reporting against the Department. Press passes can also be rescinded if the press pass holder or media organization tarnishes the Department's reputation or if it is no longer in the Department's interest for the holder to retain a press pass.
It is important to note that press passes are not a prerequisite for receiving or accessing information disseminated to the media by the Department. The absence of a press pass will not prevent individuals identifying as media from attending Department-sponsored news conferences or events that are typically open to the media.
Individuals with press passes are not authorized to cross police and fire lines. The pass simply grants the media representative the right to position themselves directly at the boundary. This rule is not waived if such a stance could potentially put officers or civilians at the scene in danger, or could hinder police operations.
The only scenario where a press pass holder might be allowed to cross the established police and fire lines is when there is substantial overcrowding outside the boundary. In such a case, the press pass holder is required to stay right at the boundary and not go beyond. This is to ensure that the media representative can effectively visually record the incident (this rule is not waived for incidents where this stance is deemed unsafe or risky by officers at the scene).
