Mass Media and Crime Prevention

Mass Media and Crime Prevention

What areas of the mass media can assist crime prevention programs?

Mass media tools such as newspapers, radio, television, and the internet has a great impact on the crime prevention. Mass media has helped uncover several criminal syndicates and organizations because of its ability to reach areas where crime control institutions and the police have not been able to reach (Lurigio, & Rosenbaum, 1991). Media has also played a crucial role in the fight against terrorism and other social issues in the society. Some areas of social media such as journalism, corporate communications, advertising, public relations, graphics, and marketing can help enhance crime prevention. The above mentioned areas of mass communication are informative and have helped citizens become more aware about crime and how society can help the criminal justice system implement crime prevention programs.

In many countries across the world, mass media has helped keep the government on toes by criticizing government’s wrong political and economic moves. The area of public relations has played the role of social representative. Media can reach remote areas where crime prevention institutions have failed to reach; therefore, helping bring out cases like domestic violence and human rights violations. Journalism has helped uncover cases of corruption within some government institutions (Surette, 2015). With proper public and government support, mass media can be used to enhance the effectiveness of crime prevention programs in these areas. The media can also be used as a tool of civil education and public awareness on the crime prevention programs.

What elements of the mass media have had a negative effect?

Mass media has a substantial role in agenda setting in regard to crime. Many people depend on the media for information about crime; and this has increased fear of victimization among individuals. Some elements of mass media such as the television display over-represented and exaggeration of some crimes (Mohseni, et al., 2016). Others display a distorted view of crime and biased crime stories so as to win a bigger audience. Media representation influences the believes and perceptions of people. Over-representation of crime increases the perception that individuals are at a higher risk of victimization. The police and other crime control institutions are therefore, viewed as dysfunctional, and public trust of the institutions is broken. Mass media has also promoted the use of guns and ammunition through portraying them in celebrity movies and music. Mass media therefore, has promote crime and deviance in society.

What elements of mass media have had a positive effect on crime prevention?

            Mass media has been on the frontline in providing information about crime   and airing enlightenment and educative programs. About 30% of mass media coverage is about crime. The media enlightens people about what is happening in society like cases of human rights violation and other criminal cases that society is unaware of (Surette, 2015). Mass media has used several platforms to pressurize the authorities to take action about a given crime. The media has therefore, helped campaign for more crime prevention programs. Consequently, this has helped scale down the rates of crime in society.

            The media has also helped in the efforts towards crime prevention through enhancing deterrence of aspiring offenders. Mass media shows criminal events, court proceedings, and victim statements in most controversial crimes. When the severity of the crime and its consequences is displayed on the media, more people are deterred from committing the same crimes because of the fear of punishment. The media has also helped trace dangerous criminals through advertisement. Mass media has also helped create public awareness about crime prevention programs and how they can be utilized. The media therefore, has had a substantial influence on crime prevention

References

Lurigio, A. J., & Rosenbaum, D. P. (1991). The effects of mass media on crime prevention awareness, attitudes, and behavior: The case of crime stoppers. American Journal of Criminal Justice, 15(2), 82-105.

Mohseni, R. A., Latifinia, A., & Afjeh, S. S. (2016). The Effect of Media on Crime: With Emphasis on Pathological Aspects of TV and Internet. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 7(4 S2), 154.

Surette, R. (2015). Performance crime and justice. Current Issues in Criminal Justice, 27(2), 195-216.