The role of the mass media in crime prevention and control

The role of the Mass Media in waging war against crime cannot be underrated in any society. This paper critically examined the role of the Mass Media in crime prevention and control. The functional role of the mass media in the protection of fundamental human rights, the prevention and control of child abuse, prevention of suicide, campaigns against driving offences and curbing corruptions were the main issues addressed by this paper. The advantages of media coverage of crime were also enunciated while the shortcomings of the reports on crime in the media were also explained. It was recommended that the government should give press adequate freedom of expression to do their work and to desist from intimidating, threatening or torturing of journalists in the course of carrying out their responsibilities of investigation and reporting of crime in the society. The paper also recommended constant training and re-training for the journalists to equip them with skills and techniques of investigating and reporting crime incidences. Finally, recommendation was made in area of acquisition of modern media facilities to ensure effective and admired dissemination of crime news.