How to Get a Freelance Press Pass in Louisiana

Louisiana freelance press pass issued by the Louisiana State Police

Press passes are great they can get you behind crime tape and allow you access to information that isn’t available to the general public, (of course there are exceptions to the rule and a press pass doesn’t automatically grant you access to everywhere or guarantee you an interview). Press passes are generally given by the news papers or news agencies a reporter works for. What about the freelance reporter who stings or corresponds for different newspapers/agencies? If you live in Louisiana and are a freelance reporter/writer/photographer you can get a freelance press pass and have the same privileges as the rest of the press, here’s how.

Things You'll Need

• Writing clips
• Photography clips
• Louisiana driver’s license

Instructions

How to get a freelance press pass in Louisiana

1. Take your clips of your published work to the public affairs division of Louisiana State Police. Tell the clerk you would like to get a press pass.

2. 

   Fill out the application form and return it with your clips to be reviewed.

3. 

   Smile for the picture which will be on your freelance press pass I.D. card. Wear your press pass on your shirt, coat or blouse or carry in your wallet. Present your press pass when you would like access to a restricted area.

Tips & Warnings

• A press pass is used as a form or identification used by members of the press.

• A press pass does not guarantee access to any police controlled areas or scenes that are not open to the general public.

• Clips will be reviewed and the writer/reporter/photographer must meet the necessary requirements as a news media representative to qualify for registration with the Louisiana State Police Public Affairs Department for a press pass to be issued.