Scene of a kidnapping, the media and the LASD

Photographer Raul Roa was in Valinda to cover the scene of the kidnapping of two people. Television media, along with print, arrived to the scene to cover. The Sheriff's department pushed the media back and set up a yellow taped perimeter.

According to the Media Guide for the Los Angeles Sheriff's Deprtment, under the Incident/Crime Scene "Don'ts" for LASD Personnel.

Incident/Crime Scene "Don'ts" for LASD Personnel

- Do not establish artificial barriers for the media. For example, do not cordon off the media a block from the incident/crime while allowing the general public to wander just beyond the incident / crime scene tape.
- Do not arbitrarily isolate the media outside the incident / crime scene, unless their presence inhibits the investigation or response by law enforcement or other emergency personnel.
- Do not prevent the media from photographing, filming or interviewing people in public areas. The media may interview, film or take photographs of whomever they wish in public
areas.
- Do not limit media access based on safety concerns. It is the responsibility of each individual member of the media whether to assume the risks involved.

This photo was taken behind police tape along side a photographer with KTLA. Notice in the distance a reporter in a white shirt talking with a deputy. Notice the residents wandering within the perimeter of the yellow tape.

This deputy is setting up a perimiter specifically for the media after this deputy moved the media further away from the scene. Notice the residents walking around in the background.