Did You Read About ...? -- The Public and Robbery (From Armed Robbery: Proceedings of a Seminar Held 22-24 March 1988, P 71-76, Dennis Challinger, ed. -- See NCJ-119997)

• NCJ Number: 120004
• Author(s): G Griffiths
• Date Published: 1989
• Length: 6 pages
• Sale Source: Australian Institute of Criminology; National Institute of Justice/
• Publication Type: Issue Overview
• Language: English
• Country: Australia
• Note: For microfiche, see NCJ-119997.

Annotation

Armed robbery is an extremely violent crime, and its portrayal by the media must be impartial.

Abstract

Often, the mass media world portrays real world violence as a fantasy violence of its own creation. The mass media may have had the following effects on the nature, extent, and development of armed robberies: reinforcing a predisposition in some sectors of the community to participate in violent crimes; providing the role model for criminal activity thereby promoting potential, or actual, deviance; and creating a set of culturally identifiable symbols which legitimize action. Guidelines for the banking industry's involvement include nominating a spokesperson responsible for national conciliation, establishing good rapport with journalists and the police, and highlighting the role of the media in order to initiate discussion and debate. 5 references.