Releasing names

[RiverAux]

One of the common practices in CAP that I've seen is to not release the names of people on board missing airplanes that we are looking for.  This isn't in any regulation, but seems to be the way things are done.  I'm not really sure why this is, though of course early on in a search we often don't have that information.  But, once we do have the info, we seem to be hesitant to release it. 

Now, I've been going through some of the CG's public affairs training, and here is how they approach a similar situation:
From CG Public Affairs manual

During searches for overdue vessels, try to release names of missing civilians in
overdue cases as soon as possible. Names are released in overdue cases because the
people may not, in fact, be overdue and will contact us to let us know they're safe.
Coordinate the release of names with the appropriate SAR Mission Coordinator.
Notification of next of kin (NOK) is generally not a problem because they are often
the reporting source for overdue cases or they have been contacted by the SMC for
information.

and

During searches for people known to be in distress, release names of civilians only
when you are reasonably certain the NOK have been notified of the situation. If a
reasonable time has passed and you have not received verification, you should release
names. Releasing names in this case may prompt the NOK to contact us, possibly
with float plans or other information about the case. (Each case may call for a
different "reasonable time" — use 6-12 hours as a guide for routine cases.)

This seems to be a pretty reasonable approach.

[DakRadz]

As to the first, due to the paperwork necessary to be in the sky, aren't we generally right about who the missing are? Honest question.

A bit the same on the second- in my Boater's safety course, it said to leave the float/trip plan with the marina if applicable, but stressed leaving them with family or friends (being that they have a vested interest in your whereabouts, and marinas aren't populous in all areas). So you need to get the NOK to find out where the missing might have gone missing.

Now, again, my knowledge of flight operations is limited, but I believe you have to file a flight plan. So a gov agency which CAP should be working with would know where the flight path was. As I type this, I consider that municipal airports don't always have someone to the flight plan with... And my argument seems flawed to me, but I provide it So you can correct me if necessary- I want to learn.

Anyway- another thing is that plane crashes are often less survivable- publicizing a likely death isn't something any member relishes.

[arajca]

It is a common practice in the fire service, and I believe law enforcement, not to release the names until the NOK have been notified. Given that much of the commonly accepted EM practices have come from these two services, it's not surprising this has as well.

Flight plans are not required for all flights. Many VFR flights don't require them. They are filed with the FAA before hand and may be opened just before or just after departure. They are supposed to be closed shortly after arrival, but occasionally are not. One airport I've been at has a couple of nice big red signs asking if your flight plan is closed on the road out.

[EMT-83]

Seems like apples and oranges – reported overdue vs. known to be in distress.

An overdue vessel is most likely to be reported by NOK or someone else with the knowledge that the vessel is overdue. In that case, who are we protecting?

Someone in distress would probably be reported by someone who witnessed the incident. Releasing the names without first notifying NOK would not be appropriate.

[bosshawk]

Just to add to the discussion: first, we seldom know who the missing person or persons are: it simply isn't part of the info from AFRCC.  IMHO: I don't even want to know who the person is: might be someone that I know and then I am in an emotional dilemma.  A flight plan only lists the name of the pilot, not any of the passengers, if any on board.  Quite frankly, as SAR crews, it adds nothing to our efforts to know the names of the people on the aircraft.

In my experience, after a day or two of searching, names are available in the media and family members often show up at search bases.  A Chaplain or a PAO is a very valuable person at that point: they should deal with family members and not members of the search base.

In addition, it is not our business to release names to anyone: media or family/friends. That is the responsibility of the Sheriff or other law enforcement agency whom we are supporting.

Good learning lesson.

[lordmonar]

As a rule of thumb....we should not release the name.....

That does not mean IMHO not telling the search crews who they are looking for.

If a ground team visits a local air port to do a ground check...it helps if you can go to the FBO and ask if "Mr. Smith, his wife and John Public landed here in a red and blue C-182"  In stead of "have you seen two men and a woman in a plane?"

Yes of course the NOK should be notified...because we don't want them to find out from the news....but I agree that this information should be released early to help with the search.

[Short Field]

Bosshawk, I normally agree with you but not this time.

we seldom know who the missing person or persons are: it simply isn't part of the info from AFRCC. 

We have know the name of the missing person on every search I have participated on.  Someone had to report  them missing, which meant someone knew they were overdue and due diligence looking for them had taken place before CAP was ever called.

Quite frankly, as SAR crews, it adds nothing to our efforts to know the names of the people on the aircraft.

Granted, as an aircrew, you don't interview too many people while flying.  However, witness interviews are included in four ground team tasks.  It is really hard to ask around the airport for person or persons unknown who flew through yesterday.  A name also helps when checking credit card records for fuel purchases and cell phone records for calls.

after a day or two of searching, names are available in the media and family members often show up at search bases.  A Chaplain or a PAO is a very valuable person at that point: they should deal with family members and not members of the search base.

The Mission Chaplain (MC) and Public Information Officer (PIO) are members of the IC's mission base staff.  A good MC will have already met with the family and gleaned any additional information from them that may help the search effort.  The MC should be the one to escort the family to mission base.  The PIO should have checked with the family and arranged for media interviews while the family is at mission base.  This just helps the search for THEIR missing loved one.

it is not our business to release names to anyone: media or family/friends. That is the responsibility of the Sheriff or other law enforcement agency whom we are supporting.

Once the IC confirms the next of kin has been notified, the names (and pictures if available) should be used in every media interview and release.  This puts a face on the mission people.  It is entirely possible that the first real media attention will be the TV cameras in front of mission base with the PIO releasing the information.  All CAP media releases, interviews, etc, would be coordinated with the lead agency.   This was all discussed in great detail at the last Pacific Region PAO Academy.

I spent too much time typing and timed out three times before I wrote this elsewhere and pasted it in....

[RiverAux]

As a rule of thumb....we should not release the name.....

Why?  I have yet to figure out what the basis is for this rule of thumb especially in those situations where CAP is esentially the lead agency on the search.  Who else should be the authoritative source for such information? 

[lordmonar]

As a rule of thumb....we should not release the name.....

Why?  I have yet to figure out what the basis is for this rule of thumb especially in those situations where CAP is esentially the lead agency on the search.  Who else should be the authoritative source for such information?

As a rule of thumb we don't "release" any information.

That is the PAO and IC's job.

[Short Field]

We don't fly airplanes either.  However other MPs and I do fly airplanes.  I believe RiverAux was referring to CAP in general and not a specific position or person.

FYI:  PAOs work for unit/group/wing/region/national commanders.  PIO is a ES achievement and works for the IC.   I am a PIO but I am not a PAO.

[Smithsonia]

In this cases below I am speaking about a Lost Plane Scenario - not a missing hiker/person scenario.

1. We are not looking for people specifically but a missing plane. I've had many instances when the plane passengers were not as first described to me. Particularly in Colorado where Dad's fly kids to summer camp and crash. Is the child on the plane or not? We may not know until a ground team makes it to the wreck. That said, we are certainly contacting the school, college, or summer camp for the child's information, but behind the scenes.
2. Even if we find a wreck -until we get to the wreck and find wallets - we don't know who is hurt, dead, etc. Sometimes we think we found
    the right plane - only to find that it is an old wreck from years ago. It's happened many times including the Fossett Search
3. CAP doesn't usually notify next of kin, so I leave the announcement of names to the Sheriff or Coroners Office in the County we are working.
    Of course if they want you to release and give you the go-ahead then do that.
4. I try to set up a clear line of communications with the Sheriff or Coroner on names and pass the Sheriff's PIO or ICs name and phone # to the media with something like: "Please contact the Jackson County Sheriff's office for release of names of those on board. They expect to have their identification done and next of kin notified by 5PM. They'll release the names to you after that time if you call them at 000-XXX-0000 or monitor their website at www.anycountysheriffsPIO.gov (examples only)

In a lost hiker/Alzheimers patient/missing child scenario - I still wouldn't announce a find/save but I would announce who we are looking for.
Once again, until you are sure of the information and that all command, families, and searchers have been notified - releasing information too early is not good. However announcing the name of the person that you are looking for helps the public become vigilant and helpful. In that case I'd say: Please report seeing this person to - (then phone number)

I am PIO/PAO/LO/MO/GTL and historian

[CommGeek]

Release name to Who?  Why would we want to release a pilots name to the press? What benefit is that?  Its not CAP's role.  Its the Sheriff. We find the crash and then turn it over to Law Enforcement.  Its is NOT our place or role to release names for anything.

"Finding Wallets???"  why would we touch anything in the plane?  ITS NOT OUR ROLE!!!!!

[RiverAux]

Which Sheriff?  On most missing airplane missions you usually start off with half the state to cover.  Didn't you read the excerpts from the CG manual that I posted that explained why they release those names to the press?  Seems those reasons are just as valid for a missing airplane search. 

Keep in mind that I'm only talking about the search phase.  Once the plane is found and if the folks on board are deceased, releasing that information is a different cup of tea.  Then thats when the local authorities take primacy. 

[Smithsonia]

River/CommGeek;
If a plane is missing and we launch a Colorado Mission... we turn over the mission - once the county of the crash site is determined. The Sheriff of that county or the coroner of that county would give the information about names in most cases (Colorado Speaking)

Regarding wallets in my previous post - If a plane crash was spotted from the air. The sheriff now being the IC - CAP Ground teams may be on scene and asked to assist. Occasionally we have established ids (although unconfirmed) Usually it is a sheriff's deputy, county coroner, or recovery team that is trained in these matters in the lead. That said, we have been asked to do it in the past. Also, we have picked up debris, which does include wallets, credit cards, money, pilots license, and other objects of identification.

[Short Field]

Once Next of Kin has been notified, why would you not want to publicize the search by releasing names, photos, and any other information about the flight or trip.  This is not a big secret we need to be sitting on.  If you have a PIO working at mission base, then every press release that gets sent out needs to have all the info we can release in it.  If the county sheriff doesn't let your PIO send out news releases, you have a different problem. 

A name and face makes the search "real" and not some fuzzy background news item to be ignored.  That is how you get the public energized behind you.  Sharing credit with the local sheriff is just good sense if you want to stay involved in SAR in the future.

[Smithsonia]

Shortfield;
You are talking apples and oranges.  (1) Speaking about the fine volunteers that did a masterful job searching today one thing. (2) It is different from the name of the poor guy that just hit a mountain scud-running. That is a second thing. There is no reason to release a name of the Pilot. Even if you've heard that the Sheriff has released the name... BECAUSE: The media will say - The sheriff told us John Smith was the pilot, can you confirm this? "Yes", says the hapless CAP/PIO, who does not know that the name has been leaked, poached, or stolen and the Sheriff hasn't yet actually released the name - and that the PIO just screwed up. Unless you know for sure in a direct confirmation between you and the releasing authority - then leave the naming of "victims" alone. I've been accused of releasing names after a accident that was 30 years ago and brought up painful memories to family members. Why wouldn't you call us and tell us that you were going to talk about our family member? Of course, I had no idea where that family members were now - so I renewed a pain and that was unfortunate.

Of course if the sheriff, IC, or releasing authority says - We have released the name of John Smith and now you are free to confirm, then of course you are welcome to talk about the fine volunteers that did a Masterful job searching today for John Smith, who unfortunately died in a tragic accident.

[Short Field]

Even if you've heard that the Sheriff has released the name... BECAUSE: The media will say - The sheriff told us John Smith was the pilot, can you confirm this? "Yes", says the hapless CAP/PIO, who does not know that the name has been leaked, poached, or stolen and the Sheriff hasn't yet actually released the name

That example is just really bad on the CAP/PIO getting taking in by a fairly standard press ploy.  if the PIO and IC do not KNOW the Sheriff (or the lead on the search) has released the names, they shouldn't be releasing the names.  Once the names are released, there are no reasons not to use them.  That was why it was called the "Fossett Search" and not the "Blue Decathlon Search".   

CAP members should not be talking to the press without the permission (and hopefully presence and guidance) of the PIO and IC. 

If you are getting slammed after talking about a 30 year old accident, someone needs to get over it.  It is historical public record and nothing is going to change it.  Sorry for the pain to the family but that is the truth.

[Smithsonia]

^^^^^^^^^^^
Shortfield;
I think there are obvious exceptions to every rule. The Fossett search, being that it went on longer than the BP Oil spill is one of the exceptions. If Air Force One went down... we'd have even more exceptions too, just like when the suicidally errant A-10 from Arizona went missing in Colorado's Rockies. As we were speaking of the general and predictable rules of the game... let us now talk about the exceptional rules for the PIO.

There are reasons why the PIO is on the ICs staff and doesn't report to a branch director. There is a reason why the PIO has access, is in all briefings, takes notes for the IC, and has briefings which does not include the rest of the staff... those reasons are the exceptions.
The exceptions may effect everything from the ops tempo to manpower staging and logistical requirements. If mission base gets hot with media, if more briefings are needed, if family and outside customers are moving in with the mission staff... all of these things need to be discussed and accounted for. These are the reasons that I take a head count of all PIOs/PAOs/LOs/ and other personnel that I have worked with... who are attending to any other duty... during a mission or SAREX... so that I can summon help in a heartbeat in case CAP has one of our own planes go down, a victim's family member arrive crying and attracting press, a mission team have an accident, or the President arrive on Air Force One unannounced for a full briefing. In these possibilities, I have a back up plan ready to account for the exceptions.

My advice to all PIOs PAOs is to first set up your space, plug in you computer, grab some coffee, and then find out who can be used for exceptions. Do this before you meet with the IC. Know this by 07:45 hrs if your staff briefing is at 08:00 hrs. For instance, if a CAP plane goes down and there is a real REDCAP. All other CAP aircraft will be retasked... who does that free up on the mission staff under one of the branch directors? There may be a free comm or MRO, an unused MSA, RTBd plane crew, a stood-down ground team, etc... that has another PIO (serving as a GTL for instance) who you (as the SAREX PIO) can immediately tap  and retask for help.

This exercise can be done on the fly and in a hurry. There is no reason to make anymore than mental notes. Just be ready to pull in all the help that you will need on the occasions when things go from standard SAREX hot to mission hot. I've had this happen twice to me and numerous times to other PIOs. SO - listen up good advice coming - at all SAREXs - all PIOs (no matter if they are serving in the PIO shop or not) should check in with lead PIO because there are "exceptions."

Wuzafuzz, Rotarhead on this board, are just 2 of the people I keep track of at a SAREX, just in case.