Ethical Considerations; Use of Press, Media and Other CJS Agencies

The use of the press and media can either assist or hinder a criminal investigation as it can help to reassure the public and appeal for witnesses or the suspect to come forward but on the other hand it can present report false stories that affect the outcome of the investigation.  Following the arrest of Aileen Wournos the media intrusion in this case prior to its trial was ethically wrong.  Politics and movie deals that resulted in the re-election of a politician and the sacking of police offers impacted on the public’s perception of the case.