IMAGE CONTROL: HOW POLICE AFFECT THE PRESENTATION OF CRIME NEWS

Abstract

Public opinion and political ideology affect the way in which police departments formulate responses to crime. Examines how departments construct public images to ensure favorable media presentation. Uses direct observation of news production process for more specific data on how police sources impact on crime‐news presentation. Finds that news media can hold police accountable to the public, but news media are also businesses and have to provide news that will attract consumers. News media rely on willing participants to produce crime stories cost‐effectively. Police look to the media to reaffirm their status as law enforcers; they invest resources in helping the media and thus influence crime presentation. Finds that police categorization of crime is self‐promoting and supportive of traditional responses, while reporters are not critical of police.