R.I. seeks to clamp down on reporter's prison access
In an bold move to censor journalists and limit face-to-face interviews with prison inmates, the Rhode Island Depatment of Corrections wants to enact draconian journalist access rules.
Read the story in the
Providence Journal.Based on its research on
Covering Prisons, SPJ promotes the following best practices for prison access policies.
-- Latitude in use of reporting tools including audio
and video recorders.
-- Ability to conduct telephone interviews.
-- Ability to conduct interviews without prior
approval of subject matter.
-- Given reasonable notice and clearance by Department
of Corrections, access to particular inmates for face-to-face interviews.
-- While recognizing security concerns, not limiting
access by security designation or classification of crime.
-- Ability to conduct random interviews during visits
or tours.
-- Ability to conduct face-to-face interviews without
corrections monitoring.