We, at the Society of Professional Journalists San Diego Pro Chapter, learned last Friday that the San Diego Police Department officially decided to discontinue its media credentialing program — something officials were discussing with media representatives that included SPJ for the past couple months. We know that news has been distressing to many reporters and photographers who relied on the pass to ensure they are able to access disaster areas and other locations to deliver critical news to the citizens of San Diego. 

But we want to be extremely clear: Nothing about this decision changes journalists’ legal right to access news events. The law is clear. Officials are required to grant news media access to disaster zones and protests so they can deliver the news. This was never a right conferred by SDPD’s press pass. It is a fundamental part of California law. 

We encourage all reporters and photographers to carry business cards and identification that clearly identifies them as a journalist. SDPD has pledged to honor such identification cards. We expect all other law enforcement and fire agencies in San Diego County to do the same, since historically they deferred to the SDPD press pass. If any agency fails to do so, please reach out to us immediately at spjsandiego@gmail.com. We will work with the relevant agency to make sure they know and follow all pertinent laws regarding media access to news events.