CRIME AND THE MASS MEDIA

• NCJ Number: 41367
• Journal: Police Nationale Volume: 4 Issue: 102 Dated: (1976) Pages: 17-20,22
• Author(s): M Bouvier
• Date Published: 1976
• Length: 6 pages
• Corporate Author: Service de L'Information et des Relations
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: French
• Country: France

Annotation

DISCUSSION OF THE IMPACT RADIO, TELEVISION, AND NEWSPAPER REPORTING OF VIOLENT AND/OR CRIMINAL BEHAVIOR HAS ON THE TYPES OF CRIMES COMMITTED AND THE POLICE INVESTIGATION OF INDIVIDUAL OFFENSES.

Abstract

CONSIDERED IS THE TENDENCY FOR REPORTED CRIMES TO BE IMITATED AND THE FACT THAT POTENTIAL OFFENDERS MAY GET IDEAS ON HOW TO COMMIT CRIMES AND AVOID DETECTION AND APPREHENSION FROM DETECTIVE PROGRAMS AND FILMS. THE THEORIES THAT CONTINUOUS EXPOSURE TO VIOLENT ACTS ENCOURAGES THEIR ACCEPTANCE AS LEGITIMATE MEANS OF EXPRESSION AND THAT 'LIVE, ON-THE-SCENE' COVERAGE OF CRIMINAL ACTS (PARTICULARLY HOSTAGE SITUATIONS) TEND TO GLORIFY CRIMINAL PERPETRATORS AND THEIR MOTIVES ARE ALSO DISCUSSED. IN ADDITION, THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF MEDIA COVERAGE OF POLICE INVESTIGATIONS - THE REPORTING OF LEADS, BROADCASTS OF SUSPECT DESCRIPTIONS, APPEALS FOR WITNESSES, ETC. - ARE EXAMINED. --IN FRENCH...ELW