Scenario

The Secret Service and other law enforcement agencies are attempting to cover all activities and individuals attending a Presidential Inaugural Parade. However, disturbing events have occurred in the last twenty minutes. It is presently 6:40 a.m. and the street is beginning to flood near the United States Botanic Gardens. Reports were just received regarding an explosion and various burst pipes inside the building and in the surrounding streets. In addition, a bomb threat has been called into the authorities. It is believed that the bomb threat exists at the Woodly Park Metro stop. Police are reporting at least 500-1000 people are in the area. The public is expected to begin lining the streets for the Inaugural Parade at 7:00 a.m.

Review the inaugural map at the following site: http://dc.about.com/library/maps/blmapinauguration.htm (Links to an external site.)

Instructions

Consider each threat separately. Write an essay to address the following questions and points:

What obligation exists for law enforcement to apprise the public of the information regarding the burst pipe?
What obligation exists for law enforcement to apprise the public of the information regarding the bomb threat at the Metro? Why?
Law enforcement officers need to use their discretion to make decisions and interpret laws and policies. Absent an obligation to divulge these facts, does the public have s a “right to know” about either event? Use critical thinking and support your answer with research.
Imagine a decision has been made to advise the public of both events. Address each event separately and briefly describe how you would present this information to the media without causing panic or increasing the probability of interruption of the parade.
Would you recommend that the law enforcement agencies establish special communications requirements for this event? Why or why not?
Requirements

Explain and support your position for each question or point.
Write your answers in complete sentences.
You may include three or four quotes; however, the majority of writing should be in your own words.
Support your answers with factual information from your textbook, lectures, legal sources, or other outside sources. Be sure to cite your source, including your textbook using APA citation. You are not required to write an abstract.
Your essay should be a minimum of two pages.
When complete, upload the assignment per the Submission instructions below.