WI Wing Gets Some Bad Publicity, What Does a PAO Do?

[RADIOMAN015]

"Ex Cap Leader asks for Trial in Child Porn Case"
See:  http://gazettextra.com/news/2010/dec/03/ex-cap-leader-asks-trial-child-porn-case/

I have no knowledge about this individual or the case's evidence, BUT I use google news to get a daily summary of web articles relating to news about "Civil Air Patrol" that has been published and this one showed up.

The article does appear to be balanced BUT mentioned that they couldn't reach anyone from CAP for comment.  So here's the question, from a public relations standpoint, should the PAO (likely at the wing level) just issue a statement that the individual had resigned from CAP?  (and also indicate that their was never an issue while the individual was in CAP) OR at least also provide information  about CAP's cadet protection program
RM     

[DakRadz]

Is this even appropriate?

Also, troll-mode returns. Tenfold, with a vengeance, and spreading it even more...

Where's the bridge you wanted to sell me?

[davidsinn]

You know it doesn't help the PR cause by re-posting it on a public site.

[Pylon]

Typically a crisis PR response would be for the organization with which the accused is associated to distance themselves from the crime, and remind the public that it's a trustworthy organization that anticipated and actively prevents these types of things from occurring on their time through training and supervision policies.


An appropriate statement might look like: "Civil Air Patrol's Anystate Wing is saddened by these accusations and is cooperating fully with authorities.  Our entire force undergoes federal background checks, cadet protection training, and our activities are governed by strict supervision and cadet protection policies to prevent inappropriate contact at our activities.  We are not aware of any instance where Mr. Accused had any inappropriate interaction with any Civil Air Patrol member.  He is fully suspended from all participation in CAP, pending outcome of the criminal proceedings."


In 99% of crisis communication cases, choosing to not respond to media inquiries and not releasing a statement does more damage from the public perception perspective than it helps.  There's researchably a perceived stigma associated with "XYZ failed to return our calls for a comment." or "ABC Org refused to answer our questions." or similar statements.

[RiverAux]

Supposedly the squadron and wing would invoke their crisis communication plan which given the nature of our organization would include some pre-planning for incidents of this nature. 

[abdsp51]

+1

[DakRadz]

Typically a crisis PR response would be for the organization with which the accused is associated to distance themselves from the crime, and remind the public that it's a trustworthy organization that anticipated and actively prevents these types of things from occurring on their time through training and supervision policies.


An appropriate statement might look like: "Civil Air Patrol's Anystate Wing is saddened by these accusations and is cooperating fully with authorities.  Our entire force undergoes federal background checks, cadet protection training, and our activities are governed by strict supervision and cadet protection policies to prevent inappropriate contact at our activities.  We are not aware of any instance where Mr. Accused had any inappropriate interaction with any Civil Air Patrol member.  He is fully suspended from all participation in CAP, pending outcome of the criminal proceedings."


In 99% of crisis communication cases, choosing to not respond to media inquiries and not releasing a statement does more damage from the public perception perspective than it helps.  There's researchably a perceived stigma associated with "XYZ failed to return our calls for a comment." or "ABC Org refused to answer our questions." or similar statements.

Pylon... You may want to fill in the blanks and actually contact the Wing leadership with that. Seems they need it, taken from this viewpoint.

[JohnKachenmeister]

Before we criticize the Wing PAO, let's remember that any case involving sexual misconduct has to be referred to National.  They MAY have pre-empted the Wing PAO in this case.

No, I don't think this is the best policy in cases like this, but I didn't like the "US Civil Air Patrol" nametapes either.  Nobody sought my opinion in either situation.

[SARDOC]

Also, They may not want to comment until after they've completed a basic investigation to determine how much our agency is involved if at all.

[Pylon]

Also, They may not want to comment until after they've completed a basic investigation to determine how much our agency is involved if at all.

If an investigation is going on and details aren't known, you still make a public statement to that effect.  It gives the public confidence that you're doing the right thing about it.  Not making any statements or returning media inquiries means that other people get to tell your side of the story for you (or just assume your side of the story).   Many people might assume that a no comment means the organization is just burying their head in the sand and hoping it blows over.   Even if we know CAP would never do that, the public doesn't know that.  That's why you make re-assuring public statements immediately to let the public know that the organization doesn't condone or facilitate these activities and is doing "the right thing" in the situation.



Even in your hypothetical instance, it's much better to assure the public that: "Civil Air Patrol employs a rigorous federal background screening process for all of our adult volunteers as well as strict supervision and reporting policies to protect the youth in our cadet program.  Per our policies, our Inspector General is conducting an investigation to ensure that the accused had no inappropriate contact with any other CAP members.  He is prohibited from participating in any CAP activity or capacity until our investigation and the pending criminal case are resolved."

[flyboy53]

Actually, the protocol for this one would immediately involve the legal eagles at NHQ. It wouldn't be a wing or unit resposiblity to comment. The PAO/commander/etc. would have already been instructed to refer the media to NHQ.

Bringing the CAP back into the story by implying that you are cooperating in an investigation, could present additional legal challenges and scrutiny for the defendant and the organization as a whole.

That doesn't mean, however, that there is probably a top-down IG investigation now on-going in the wing....which would probably remain confidential until facts are entered into evidence showing the tie.

[RADIOMAN015]

Looks like another wing GA?  has an issue with perhaps a pilot charged

http://romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/10675964/article-Bond-denied-for-Lindale-man-arrested-on-molestation-charges?instance=home_news_lead

RM

[DakRadz]

Looks like another wing GA?  has an issue with perhaps a pilot charged

http://romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/10675964/article-Bond-denied-for-Lindale-man-arrested-on-molestation-charges?instance=home_news_lead

RM

In the spirit of Christmas:
Troll-lol-lol-lol-lol-Troll-lol-lol

Read as: Troll, laughing out loud, troll again. And such a nice fit.

[HGjunkie]

Maybe the best thing to do is not post threads in a PUBLIC forum where the whole world can see it.

As DazRadz put it;

Troll-lol-lol-lol-lol, Troll-lol-lol-lol.

[davidsinn]

Looks like another wing GA?  has an issue with perhaps a pilot charged

http://romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/10675964/article-Bond-denied-for-Lindale-man-arrested-on-molestation-charges?instance=home_news_lead

RM

I figured a PAO would be smarter than to repost this stuff to a public forum such as CT.

[RADIOMAN015]

Looks like another wing GA?  has an issue with perhaps a pilot charged

http://romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/10675964/article-Bond-denied-for-Lindale-man-arrested-on-molestation-charges?instance=home_news_lead

RM

I figured a PAO would be smarter than to repost this stuff to a public forum such as CT.

It's public record found by the search engine "google" and sent to anyone who is signed up for google news with the key words "Civil Air Patrol".....  This one looks like something the PAO needs to address, it is extremely serious
RM

[davidsinn]

Looks like another wing GA?  has an issue with perhaps a pilot charged

http://romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/10675964/article-Bond-denied-for-Lindale-man-arrested-on-molestation-charges?instance=home_news_lead

RM

I figured a PAO would be smarter than to repost this stuff to a public forum such as CT.

It's public record found by the search engine "google" and sent to anyone who is signed up for google news with the key words "Civil Air Patrol".....  This one looks like something the PAO needs to address, it is extremely serious
RM

I got the exact same stuff through my google news alerts. It does not help our image by reposting it and then making disparaging comments. Unless you're a PAO for the wing in question you should not comment on it publicly.

[NCRblues]

Looks like another wing GA?  has an issue with perhaps a pilot charged

http://romenews-tribune.com/view/full_story/10675964/article-Bond-denied-for-Lindale-man-arrested-on-molestation-charges?instance=home_news_lead

RM

I figured a PAO would be smarter than to repost this stuff to a public forum such as CT.

It's public record found by the search engine "google" and sent to anyone who is signed up for google news with the key words "Civil Air Patrol".....  This one looks like something the PAO needs to address, it is extremely serious
RM

So, I have a grand idea. Ok here it is.

Instead of posting these where more google hits of it will come up from a basic search, contact the wing PAO, and offer assistance. OR....or better yet, do nothing at all. That seems the most logical....

It seems ever more prevalent that you hate CAP... well maybe not cap, just the way we handle uniforms, driving and accidents, our military affiliation, ES quals, people in it.....am i missing anything?

[DakRadz]

And cadets. There should be an AE Cadet membership where the "students" can wear polos.

So membership too, by that token.

[FARRIER]

It does not help our image by reposting it...

RM is right, it is serious. Otherwise we wouldn't have training programs in place to try and screen the SOB's out. I would be more worried about our cadets than our image.