Ethical Considerations

Ethical considerations (use of media, press and other CJS agencies;

The media and the press can be of advantages and also disadvantages to a case. For an advantage the media can help publicise the crime to make the public aware, this can be helpful because if people are aware of what has happened, they may come forward to the police with new information which can help the case. But the media can also get involved emphasising the case and projecting their opinion to the public. Also the media may misinterpret the case giving out false information to the public. Different newspaper articles may also interview current or eliminated suspects or anyone who has involvement in the case. This can be helpful to police because the individual being interviewed may give the newspaper information which could be valuable to the police and to the case.

This stage is important to some extent because in ways it can help the case but this stage isn’t always used in the investigation process due to the bad effects it can also have. In some cases the police may not inform the media at all or they may inform the media instantly. The police may inform the media days or weeks after the crime because of the effects and disruption it may have.

In the Madeleine McCann case, media was used instantly. Police saw the media as an encouragement for the case because the public could help get involved. Interpol got involved in the Madeleine McCann case five days after she was reported missing which reported the crime internationally and made everyone aware. Gerry and Kate McCann also used various types of media to publicise their appeals. Her parents implemented in various successful campaigns that kept Madeleine’s disappearance in the media in public eye of many countries for long periods after her disappearance. The McCann’s have released numerous video appeals appealing to whoever abducted Madeleine to return her. Websites and funds have been set up under Madeleine to fund the search. Various celebrities have been involved with the case in the media. Bryan Adams dedicated a concert he done in Malta to Madeleine, J.K. Rowling also publicised posters of Madeleine to be available when her Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows had been released. Films, books and documentaries have been made of the case. The Madeleine McCann case was in media greatly.