Why do the police release 911 calls to the media??

[shardian]

I went to get gas during lunch, and the news brief on the radio played a 911 call from the Florida Wendy's shooting - complete with gunshots in the background. It is no surprise that the media would stoop low enough to play these tapes on which people are being murdered, but why do the police release the tapes? Can a Freedom of Info paper really get access to these, or do the police release them of their own free will?

[baddog5]

Depends on your location.  Some courts have ruled that a freedom of information request is all that is needed to access them,  others say a subpoena is required.

[ChadTower]

Can a Freedom of Info paper really get access to these, or do the police release them of their own free will?

Pretty much.  The media sues fast and hard when denied access to such things.

[shardian]

A subpoena would be much more appropriate for cases such as this. The way I see it, there would need to be a damn good reason for the release of an audio recording of people being murdered. Same goes for the security video footage they feel inclined to show of these campus shootings that have happened of late.

[ChadTower]

A subpoena is a command to appear.  Totally different.  Do you mean a warrant?

[shardian]

A subpoena is a command to appear.  Totally different.  Do you mean a warrant?

I don't know what could be put in place. Mainly, I think senseless murder spree's like this should have some extra protection from the media. The media has no right to parade around audio and video of these incidents for a ratings boost, when the families of the victims (and the surviving victims themselves) are at home and are exposed to this crap.

What purpose did it serve to broadcast that? None whatsoever except for shock value and for the media member to say "I had it exclusive first".

[ChadTower]

I agree in concept, but at this point, it can't happen.  The media has too much power.  Who is going to be the politician that proposes that bill only to have the entire media, left and right, dig up every spilled spermshot and kicked puppy him and his family have ever done?

[ChadTower]

911 is paid for by taxpayers, everything they do is public record, IMO.

Then maybe the answer is middle ground - 911 calls are public record but broadcasting them is not allowed.  No news program is going to put up a text scroll or have an anchorman read it off over the air - though that second one would be pretty funny.

[Dartful Dodger]

I heard that audio recording on the radio.  It was awful.  I was so appalled that they would play such a horrible thing I listened to it three times to make sure. To get over my disgust I went out and bought the product the radio station was advertising.

[AcidArmitage]

hope his daughter doesnt find out her father was killed because he went back for her toy. that sucks