(a) Within 90 days of April 13, 2005, the Chief of Police, pursuant to subchapter 1 of Chapter 5 of Title 2, shall issue rules governing police passes for media personnel.
(b) Within 90 days of April 13, 2005, the Chief of Police shall develop and implement a written policy governing interactions between the MPD and media representatives who are in or near an area where a First Amendment assembly is ongoing and who are reporting on the First Amendment assembly. The policy shall be consistent with the requirements of subsection (c) of this section.
(c)(1) The MPD shall allow media representatives reasonable access to all areas where a First Amendment assembly is occurring. At a minimum, the MPD shall allow media representatives no less access than that enjoyed by members of the general public and, consistent with public safety considerations, shall allow media representatives access to promote public knowledge of the assembly.
(2) The MPD personnel located in or near an area where a First Amendment assembly is ongoing shall recognize and honor media credentials issued by or officially recognized by the MPD.
(3) The MPD shall make reasonable accommodations to allow media representatives effectively to use photographic, video, or other equipment relating to their reporting of a First Amendment assembly.
(Apr. 13, 2005, D.C. Law 15-352, § 114, 52 DCR 2296.)
Structure District of Columbia Code
Title 5 - Police, Firefighters, Medical Examiner, and Forensic Sciences
Chapter 3A - First Amendment Rights and Police Standards
Subchapter I - First Amendment Assemblies
§ 5–331.03. Policy on First Amendment assemblies
§ 5–331.04. Reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on First Amendment assemblies
§ 5–331.05. Notice and plan approval process for First Amendment assemblies — Generally
§ 5–331.07. Police handling and response to First Amendment assemblies
§ 5–331.08. Use of police lines
§ 5–331.09. Identification of MPD personnel policing First Amendment assemblies
§ 5–331.10. Documentation of arrests in connection with a First Amendment assembly
§ 5–331.12. Prompt release of persons arrested in connection with a First Amendment assembly
§ 5–331.14. Police-media relations
§ 5–331.15. Training for handling of, and response to, First Amendment assemblies
§ 5–331.16. Use of riot gear and riot tactics at First Amendment assemblies