As a reporter, I’ve labored under some pretty strained, contentious or just downright unpleasant relationships with officials and law enforcement before. Oftentimes, the farther out in the sticks you go, the more mistrustful folk seem to get of someone toting a notepad, microphone or camera. That’s why it always comes as a breath of fresh air when somebody gets it. I’ve said it beforethat I think Dodge County Sheriff Todd Nehls is a sharp guy, and now I think he gets it, too.

As far as I know, the column he emailed out to a whole bunch of media outlets the other day was completely unprompted. While the title he used, “Media – a Necessary Partner” doesn’t exactly conjure up thoughts of hot cocoa and warm embraces, I did think it was an interesting enough read to warrant posting here. I also feel obligated to respond. In brief, thanks Sheriff Nehls for not treating us like lepers! You’re something of a rarity and always a pleasure to work with.

“From the Office of the Sheriff:

“Media – a Necessary Partner”

 

Not a week goes by without a citizen commenting to me on the county being in the news. I do not have to track when a county story is featured on television as many of you will let me know about it in the morning. Contrary to many, our intent is not to seek media fame for what we do.  What I do feel is important is that citizens know what is going on within the county they are raising their families.  That means both the good and bad.   

One of my first initiatives after being elected was to share with the media our (Sheriff’s Dept) daily logs.  The log is a document that was for internal use only. It listed all our calls for service, the nature of the call, and names of those involved, to include arrests. The daily log they get is unedited. The media is instructed, and has been very good about editing names of minors as well as other sensitive information. The document is a public record anyway and we would have to release it if asked. Other items classified as a public record include criminal reports after prosecution, 911 calls, and booking photos. So, in early 2003 you started reading more about what was really going on in the county. Crime did not sky rocket overnight, we just started telling you what was going on while you slept.

We have developed a great relationship with not only our local media but state-wide outlets as well. My phone starts ringing around 6:00 a.m. after the daily log of the past 24-hours is emailed to the media. Radio wants a quick sound bit and print media wants more specifics for their website.  For larger cases, the television media call mid-morning to tell you they are on their way up to talk about a certain incident.  In my seven years, I have never denied a media outlet an interview. I may have delegated the interview to another but we never say no. I am available 24/7/365 and trust me they know that!

 The media is much too important to us in their role of communicating with you. Whether it is breaking in on John and Bill in the morning to warn you about a bad crash and detour, to asking the television stations to highlight a photo of an armed robbery suspect, they are always available and have never said no.  I am proud of the mutual respect and trust we have for one another. Most news stories are solicited from the media vs. the department sending out a media release.              

I understand that at times certain news stories do not cast Dodge County in a positive light. Sometimes we may even look foolish. It may also look like we have more crime and issues than our neighbors. What we must understand is that to maintain honesty with the media, we must take the good with the bad. I would never try to hide the negative things and only accent the positive.  That would not be fair and balanced.  We are often commended on our openness and transparency in which we operate.   

All of our media contacts have been positive and we have asked for their help more than they ask for ours.  I can assure you that should we ever need the force of the media, they are just an email away. The media is a full partner in our efforts, a partnership that I will maintain and treasure.”