Section 24-2104. GENERAL PROVISIONS

 

2104.1A media representative displaying a press pass is authorized to enter designated areas, set aside by members of the Metropolitan Police Department, for the purpose of gathering, photographing or reporting news events. The holder of a press pass is not required to remain in any such designated area and may not be restricted from any area open to the general public or any area open to participants in a First Amendment assembly.

 

2104.2The holder of a press pass is authorized to cross a police or fire line, unless, in the judgment of a Metropolitan Police Department officer or official, to do so would interfere with the management of a police or fire scene or would endanger the public safety.

 

2104.3Possession of a press pass does not authorize the holder to enter a private building or private property that may be located within a police or fire line.

 

2104.4MPD officers shall allow media representatives reasonable access to all areas where a First Amendment assembly is occurring. At a minimum, officers shall allow media representatives no less access than that enjoyed by members of the general public. Unless inconsistent with public safety considerations, officers shall allow media representatives access to areas closed to the general public in order to assist their ability to report on such an event. Officers shall also make reasonable accommodations to allow media representatives effectively to use photographic, video, or other equipment relating to their reporting of a First Amendment assembly.

 

2104.5The Chief of Police or his or her designee shall accept or honor a press pass issued to a media representative by a local, state or federal governmental body within or outside the District of Columbia. The holder of such a press pass shall enjoy the same rights and privileges as if the pass were issued directly by the Chief of Police.

 

2104.6It is the policy of the Metropolitan Police Department that media representatives shall have maximum access to First Amendment assemblies, fires, crime scenes, weather-related events, accidents and other news events, consistent with maintaining public safety and the management of a police or fire scene.

 

2104.7The commanding officer at the scene of a First Amendment assembly or other news event, in consultation with the Director of the Office of Public Information, shall ensure that the policy set forth in subsection 2104.6 and the applicable provisions of these regulations are carried out.

 

2104.8Press passes and credentials shall be plainly exposed to view whenever the persons to whom they are issued are using them.

 

2104.9The Chief of Police shall appoint an advisory committee composed of representatives of the media, universities and colleges, which may make recommendations concerning the implementation of these rules.

 

source

Final Rulemaking published at 55 DCR 7086 (June 27, 2008).