RUMOR SYNDROME - ATTICA AS A CASE STUDY

• NCJ Number: 29381
• Journal: MILITARY POLICE LAW ENFORCEMENT JOURNAL Volume: 1 Issue: 5 Dated: (WINTER QUARTER 1975) Pages: 45-49
• Author(s): T A KNOPF
• Date Published: 1975
• Length: 5 pages
• Corporate Author: US Dept of the Army
• Publication Format: Article
• Publication Type: Report (Study/Research)
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

THE 'RUMOR SYNDROME' IS DEFINED AS THE ACCEPTANCE AND TRANSMISSION OF THE TYPES OF RUMORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE WHITE COMMUNITY, RESPONSE TO RUMORS AT FACE VALUE, AND THE USE OF RUMORS TO JUSTIFY IMMEDIATE ACTION.

Abstract

ALSO INCLUDED IN THIS DEFINITION IS THE USE OF RUMORS TO EXPLAIN A DISORDER AND ITS CAUSES. THIS ARTICLE DISCUSSES THE ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITY OF MILITARY AND PUBLIC OFFICIALS WITH RESPECT TO RUMORS IN RACIAL SITUATIONS. OFFICIAL ACTIONS BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER THE UPRISING AT ATTICA CORRECTIONAL FACILITY IN UPSTATE NEW YORK IN SEPTEMBER 1971 ARE CITED AS EXAMPLES OF THE FUNCTIONING OF THE RUMOR SYNDROME. THE AUTHOR CONCLUDES THAT OFFICIAL RELIANCE ON FAULTY REPORTS IMPAIRED THE PERSPECTIVE OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS AND HARMED, TO SOME EXTENT, THE DECISION-MAKING PROCESS. RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE RELATING TO THE NEED FOR AND IMPORTANCE OF VERIFICATION, OFFICIAL RESPONSIBILITY TO THE PUBLIC, AND ACCOUNTABILITY OF OFFICIALS TO THE PUBLIC AND NEWS MEDIA.