EDITORIAL: The Freedom of the Press to Protect Law Enforcement

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” – Amendment 1 of the U.S.  Constitution, Bill of Rights

“The liberty of the press is indeed essential to the nature of a free state; but this consists in laying no previous restraints upon publications, and not in freedom from censure for criminal matter when published. Every freeman has an undoubted right to lay what sentiments he pleases before the public; to forbid this, is to destroy the freedom of the press: but if he publishes what is improper, mischievous, or illegal, he must take the consequences of his own temerity. To subject the press to the restrictive power of a licenser, as was formerly done, both before and since the Revolution, is to subject all freedom of sentiment to the prejudices of one man, and make him the arbitrary and infallible judge of all controverted points in learning, religion and government.” - W. Blackstone's Commentaries on the Laws of England 151-52 (T. Cooley 2d rev. ed. 1872). See 3 J. Story, Commentaries on the Constitution of the United States 1874-86 (Boston: 1833).

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I began reporting on crime in the area in an effort to make our community a safer place.  The best way to make our city safer is to support the individuals who put their lives on the line 24/7. 

At Hyannis News it is our pledge that we will make an ongoing effort to educate the public, printing only positive and productive stories that will hopefully bolster the efforts of dedicated first responders. 

Each officer in every law enforcement agency I’ve ever dealt with should know by now that it is my sincere intention to use the freedom of the press to work with you and not against you.  Furthermore, you need also know that I will remove any information that may, in one form or another, interfere with your work… I will do so happily and forthwith, especially if it is a matter safety…

Why? 

The City of Hyannis needs to improve.  At Hyannis News we feel that our city is currently facing many serious crime issues.  In order to deal with those issues as a community we need to first report on and identify the problems.  Then, and only then, can we support our citizens and first responders in making our community safer for everyone. 

Negative press has been used by other local news sources and it doesn’t work.  It’s not productive and demoralizes public safety officials.  The press is not an effective place to sound off on beefs with the police. 

At Hyannis News we have a high level of confidence in the overall leadership and direction of our local public safety agencies.  

That’s not to say that all is perfect...  But to publish negative reports about the individuals that put their lives on the line to keep us all safe would work against our current mission to fight local crime through informing and educating the public.

Whenever I have a concern with law enforcement, I first try to resolve that issue on a one to one personal level.  For me that has worked, sometimes much better than I had expected…

This week as we honor fallen Law Enforcement Heroes, please consider using the media to support those committed to our safety.

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