Director of Communications for 60 Minutes

Published on July 28, 2017, at 10:25 a.m.
by Terrika Woods.

I’m not sure about the other billions of people in the world, but “Law and Order” is my absolute favorite show. I will normally record the episodes on USA, since they play almost 24/7. My favorite “Law and Order” series is definitely “SVU.”

Something that I enjoy doing is pretending that I am the NYPD’s director of communications. Just imagine having that job. While I solve the case with Olivia and Elliott, I also think about the torture their communications department goes through.

Think about it. What do they do when the detectives take cases that involve high profile people or when they are trying to capture a serial rapist without frightening the public? Do you inform your audience? That’s the most difficult part. Their audience is the entire New York community.

I assume that the communications department can’t handle all of the minor issues associated with different cases, but I am also sure the workload from the more difficult cases is time-consuming.

You are probably curious about how my little hour game goes. Let me explain.

1. The first thing I do try is try to wait until the medical examiner gives the detectives some kind of explanation for the death or the victim gives their side of the story. After I collect this information, I immediately start thinking of worse case scenarios, one of which is normally the answer to the case.

2. After briefly brainstorming, I try to decide the best time to inform the public and the most effective way. Most of the time it depends on the case. If there is a serial killer at large, then it is my duty to inform the public of the killer’s existence and pattern.

3. Whenever I catch an episode that involves a detective collecting evidence illegally or making mistakes that interfere with the process of the case, I try to take that into account. Will I need to do an impromptu press conference or is this the time that I use my connections to suppress the media until we receive concrete answers?

4. I imagine that I would do some evaluating as the case wraps up. I think of how I could I have handled surprises throughout the case differently.

This game may seem crazy, but it allows me to think strategically while also learning how to spot a predator five miles away.

Occasionally, you will come across episodes that are unpredictable, and these are always my favorite. Next time you have free time to watch “Law and Order” or your favorite detective show, think about playing this game. You will be surprised at how your strategic thinking skills will grow.