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Essay / Influence of Mass Media on Crime and Justice - 1802
Society's fascination with crime and justice has always been high. From movies, books, newspapers, magazines, TV shows to everyday conversations. The community is constantly involved in “talks” about crime. The media plays an important role in the construction and representation of crime and the criminal justice system. The public's perception of law enforcement officials, victims, and criminals is largely determined by how they are portrayed in the media. Recent studies indicate that the majority of the public's knowledge about crime and justice comes from the media. It is therefore imperative to examine the effects of media on attitudes toward crime and justice. Effective law enforcement and fear of crime are important aspects of public attitudes toward the criminal justice system. Policing strategies reflect not only the values of the department, but also those of the local community. The way the police are portrayed in the media can have a crucial effect on citizens' attitudes toward the police. If the public forms a negative opinion of the local law enforcement agency, it can lead to problems in community relations and influence citizens' decisions to report a crime. This may have an even greater effect if fear of crime increases among citizens or if they develop punitive attitudes toward law enforcement. It can influence the development of policies and laws by government agencies, as public support or opposition can determine policy. Recent studies reveal that results are mixed regarding the influence of news media in creating an attitude of fear among the general public. Research has shown that individuals who watch a lot of television, including news programs, feel more like they are in the middle of paper..., which Ms. Graziosi violated through her comments on Facebook. Inappropriate behavior on social media proves to be an ongoing problem for law enforcement. Unlike citizens of the community, they are held to higher standards, both in and out of uniform. The ever-increasing popularity of media in today's society will constantly be an obstacle for law enforcement to overcome. Establishing a positive relationship with the media can be extremely helpful, as can proper social media training. This can lead to better community involvement and a better perception of law enforcement personnel within the community. However, officers are not only limited to the consequences of their job-related tasks, but with the media being accessible at the press of a button, officers must keep in mind the civil liability involved in exercising their work..