The San Diego Police Department has discontinued issuing Media Identification Cards (Press Passes) and press parking placards, effective February 13, 2026.
“While SDPD will no longer issue media identification cards, the department will continue to uphold the rights of all lawful news gatherers,” SDPD Chief Scott Wahl wrote in a statement.
Media members are encouraged to carry a business ID card from their news agency or a business card that may help verify their news affiliation, according to Chief Wahl’s statement.
The San Diego Press Club issued a statement in disagreement with the SDPC’s recent decision.
The Press Club’s statement reads: “The San Diego Press Club is examining the San Diego Police Department’s recently implemented practice of discontinuing Media Identification Cards (Press Passes). In all cases, the SDPC believes the ability of the press to do its job quickly and efficiently in the field should not be impeded. Discontinuing press passes will hamper legitimate working members of the media.”
Indeed, the ending of police-issued press credentials does deserve examination.
According to California Penal Code 409.5 and 409.6: “Law enforcement and authorized emergency personnel [are empowered to] close areas during disasters (fire, flood, earthquake, etc.) or dangerous conditions, making it a misdemeanor for unauthorized individuals to enter or remain in these areas after receiving notice to leave. Violations are punishable by up to six months in county jail.”
However, there’s a media exception: “Duly authorized representatives of news media (newspapers, radio, TV) are generally allowed access, provided they do not interfere with emergency operations.”
Discerning who is a member of the media and granting permission to enter active police scenes would seemingly be made more difficult by discontinuing police-issued press passes.
What’s your opinion? The San Diego Sun would love to hear all sides of this issue, from law enforcement, members of the media and the public. Send you comments, which may be used in a follow-up story, to: rondonoho@gmail.com. SDSun
