By
DiAnn Mills
Some
writers of suspense and crime fiction believe TV shows and movies provide
accurate representation for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Unless a professional is hired to assist the script and scene, the depictions
on the screen are designed to entertain and move the story along, and may miss
correct protocol.
Writers,
this means the professionals want to help us create realistic stories about their
critical roles.
While
we enjoy the peace of mind of having a trained person carry a weapon and keep
us safe, we also have the responsibility of supporting the courageous people
who put their lives on the line for us. They can’t do their job alone. For this
partnership to work, law enforcement agencies seek to educate the community on
the how and why of their unique positions. They offer programs and immerse themselves
into neighborhoods to listen to the needs of others.
Procedure,
laws, jurisdiction, and terminology differ according to the agency. So how does
a writer ensure a story’s research is factual?
The
answer is to contact the law enforcement agency directly. Most all agencies
have a media specialist or public relations person assigned to answer
questions. When I began writing suspense, I had to move from my introverted
self to an extrovert and make a few phone calls. I kept telling myself that the
person on the other end of the phone could only say no. What I discovered is
just the opposite! Just like I enjoyed talking about my life as a writer, I
found the law enforcement agency representatives were excited to talk about
their chosen profession.
Here
are a few tips to help you reach out for the correct information:
1.
Establish
what law enforcement agency will be featured in your book—local, state, or federal.
2.
Prepare
questions for an interview. A writer wants to know what the person likes about
his/her job, dislikes, a typical day, how the job affects personal life,
hobbies, what the person does for fun, and the list goes on. If you have a characterization
sketch, look at those prompts as guidelines to prepare the interview.
3.
Contact
the agency and introduce yourself. Ask to speak to the public relations person.
Explain what you need and schedule a physical, phone, or email Q&A. Thank
the person.
4.
If
the writer is fortunate to have a face-to-face with the expert, take the time
to get to know the person. Many traits of our heroes and heroines rise from
these conversations. Listen to how the person talks and the words used.
Many
law enforcement agencies in bigger cities offer citizens programs to those who
desire to help be liaisons between the agency and the community. Those involved
in citizens outreach programs influence their own circle of people. The classes
are approximately 6 to 8 weeks long with regular meetings to keep those in the
program informed, educated—and have fun.
Understand
some agencies can’t provide us with details due to the sensitive nature of
their work. The following law enforcement agencies are known for their citizens
programs and there may be more:
1.
Citizens
Police Academy
2.
FBI
Citizens Academy
3.
DEA
Citizens Academy
4.
U.S.
Marshals Service Citizens Academy
5.
State
Highway Patrol Citizens Academy
6.
ICE
Citizens Academy
Writers,
step out of your comfort zone and search for the information to ensure your
story is rich with facts.
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure.
She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create
action-packed, suspense-filled novels. Her titles have appeared on the CBA and
ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA,
Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. Firewall,
the first book in her Houston: FBI series, was listed by Library Journal
as one of the best Christian Fiction books of 2014. DiAnn is a founding board
member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a member of Advanced Writers
and Speakers Association, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers.
She is co-director of The Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writers Conference and
The Mountainside Marketing Conference with social media specialist Edie Melson
where she continues her passion of helping other writers be successful. She
speaks to various groups and teaches writing workshops around the country. DiAnn
has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid
reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in
the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas. DiAnn is very active
online and would love to connect with readers on Facebook: www.facebook.com/diannmills, Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills or any of the social media platforms listed at www.diannmills.com.
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