Reporting

Report all Incidents

An incident is defined as any event or circumstance which leads to unintended and/or unnecessary harm including an accident, injury, criminal act against persons or property, damage or loss of equipment, or property damage connected with Seminary or Institute.

Instructors should report all incidents.

In situations where the instructor is made aware of abuse of a minor, they must contact the "Abuse Hotline" and comply with the instructions they receive. In virtually every case, child abuse will need to be reported to law enforcement after calling the Church’s help line or area legal counsel to receive instructions. In Australia, this number is: 02-9841-5454. They should also inform the Bishop or Branch President.

All other types of incidents should be reported to the Seminaries & Institutes Representative (coordinator or director).

Media Involvement

In most areas the media are aware of emergency calls and may come to investigate.

• Church buildings are not public property. You may deny the media access.

• When dealing with the media, remember to protect the privacy rights of all persons involved.

• Whenever possible, defer media questions to civil authorities on the scene.

• Remember that saying “I don’t know” or "I am not the individual to ask about this" may be your best answers. They are the least likely to be misquoted.

• Coordinate with your S&I coordinator as soon as possible.

• Defer questions concerning Church policies or procedures to the Church public affairs office or a designated Church public affairs officer in your area.