Crime and the 24/7 News Cycle

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Crime and the News; Sensationalized and Mediated

Law breaking and crime has turned into a business; it applies to those who pay the price, those who get paid to enforce the rules, and those who exploit human drama for profit; in fact, crime coverage has become such an integral part of our society that it warrants massive amounts of attention. Newspapers (online or otherwise), network news programs, cable news programs, AM radio stations, and various internet service providers have their own news outlets, transmitting information that deals with criminal activity on a daily basis.

As the media continues to have an influence on the general public, crime is at the top of the list in terms of news programming. Living in a multi-mediated society allows for up-to-the-minute and round-the-clock coverage, where news organizations are interactively hooked up and ready to report on the latest wrongdoings. Local network affiliate news channels such as ABC, CBS, NBC, and Fox are in conjunction with law enforcement agencies across the country; inquiries and other data are handled by the department's Media Relations Section (MRS). Although the department is careful about releasing sensitive information, the main objective is to raise the public's awareness concerning local crime news, and one of the most effective ways to communicate is through these news channels. On scene reporters are often present with the latest breaking crime news, whether from the actual crime scene itself, or wherever press releases are held. Additional crime scene coverage is provided by network owned helicopters that operate within the parameters of air space restrictions.

On a national scale, various cable news outlets offer a smaller amount of coverage: CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC are the most notable. These news outlets are primarily focused on political issues; if a political misdeed takes place, these stations are well equipped with reporters and analysts who not only report on any given crime, but they also offer more than one perspective.

Crime news can also go viral in a hurry; access to the internet has provided a faster medium. All the major TV networks have websites, which means that information involving criminal acts can be accessed at any time. Most PDA (Personal Digital Assistant) devices have mobile access capabilities; crime news can be quickly transmitted through social networks and reach many cell phone subscribers. When violent offenses are committed, such as shooting sprees, armed robberies, or sexual assault; this type of networking can be vital to personal safety and survival.

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Aside from the media organizations that report crime news, the aftermath of any given offense involves a methodical process. The severity of the crime will determine how to proceed with the case. For most felonies, a crime scene is designated and the area is taped off. Investigators will look for physical evidence that may help solve the case, such as fingerprints, possible DNA samples, and statements from the victim or any eyewitnesses; in some cases, a police sketch artist will be called in. Once the evidence has been gathered and the case becomes official, the Media Relations Segment of the police department will contact local news stations. If the incident is gratuitous enough, the news will spread quickly.