NCJ Number
194883
Journal
Corrections Compendium Volume: 27 Issue: 4 Dated: April 2002 Pages: 6-18
Date Published
April 2002
Length
13 pages
Annotation
This survey discusses the issue of media access to inmates in correctional institutions.
Abstract
In 1978, the Supreme Court concluded that neither the 1st Amendment nor the 14th Amendment provides the right of access to government information or sources of information within the government’s control. It also concluded that whether the government should open penal institutions in the manner sought by the press was a matter for legislative, not judicial, resolution. A survey on media access noted that of 49 respondents only two--Montana and New Mexico--did not allow media access to their correctional facilities. It appears that the prison systems encourage media coverage of their events. Most of the systems require advance notice before honoring media requests for information or interviews. In cases of crisis incidents nearly all the systems report that they establish a special media briefing center so media representatives can remain on the premises. Restrictions apply to interview requests in much the same manner as for general media access to correctional facilities. Interviews are not permitted under any circumstances in some States. In other States, a number of factors are considered in approving interviews with inmates: the mental attitude of inmates at the time of requests; if they are in the infirmary; if they are under high-risk security or in the reception areas; if the interview is deemed an invasion of inmates’ privacy; or if the tension level of the population is high. Taking photographs during interviews is permitted in 35 of the reporting systems, but only if pre-approved in 4 systems. Inmates are prohibited from accepting or soliciting money from the media in 12 systems. Interviews must not interfere with program assignments. Allowing and encouraging media representatives access to correctional facilities and becoming informed of their programs seems to have a high priority in this country.