MOUNTIES MUST RESIST DESIRE TO SPIN THE NEWS

The Mounties, apparently, seem to think that being less helpful to
news reporters will reduce the public's fear of crime.

An internal RCMP communications report says research indicates that
public comments from RCMP media spokespeople, although well-meaning,
"may actually be contributing to fear of crime rather than reducing such fear."

It suggests RCMP detachments be more selective and strategic in their
responses to news media questions.

In other words, it wants the Mounties to become more like
professional spin doctors.

We would suggest instead, however, that the RCMP stick to answering
reporters' questions as fully and fairly as possible. Then, let
citizens decide for themselves, based on these reports, whether they
have any reason to be fearful of crime in their community.