Dq#2 Criminal justice

Criminal Justice

2007

Should an officer withhold information in a press release if that could affect the prosecution of a suspect in the future ? Generally , it is unlawful to withhold information since the general rule is that , it is necessary for government information to be available to the public (Wikipedia , 2007 . The law 's explanation for this is because they believe that the people have all the right to know ' about such an information (Wikipedia , 2007

However , there are several exemptions to the aforementioned law which is protected by what is

technically referred to as the Privacy Act of 1974 (Wikipedia , 2007 . In the aforementioned law , it is reiterated that , no agency shall disclose any record which is contained in a system of records by any means of communication to any person , or to another agency , except pursuant to a written request by , or with the prior consent of , the individual to whom the record pertains (Wikipedia , 2007 . Simply put , having mentioned that any means of communication , meaning , including a press release and no agency meaning , even the officer 's withholding of information may be lawful (Wikipedia , 2007

In addition to that , it has been stated in the Privacy Act that the utilization of personal records /information may be withheld for routine uses within a U .S . government agency for law enforcement practices for other administrative purposes etc (Wikipedia 2007

Also , withholding of information in a press release may be said to be lawful since it is specified in the Privacy Act that a person may request amendment of a record pertaining to him or her ' and that , a person have the right to review a press release which should also be understandable on his part (Wikipedia , 2007

Last but not least , withholding of information in a press release may be said to be lawful if such could interfere with enforcement proceedings ' and could deprive an individual of a right to a fair trial or an impartial adjudication (Wikipedia , 2007

So that being said , is setting the stage for a release professional or is it deceitful ? Definitely , it is professional since it was based on the law

Reference

Wikipedia (2007 . Freedom of Information Act (United_States . Retrieved July 30 , 2007

from http /en .wikipedia .org /wiki /Freedom_of_Information_Act_ (United_States

_Dq 2 Criminal Justice

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