Asked in Civil Rights and Criminal Law for Georgia

Q: Can a police officer tell the media your name and how you helped arrest a gang leader and drug dealer?violation?

Told news paper the name along with every detail of how you were involved in the arrest. It's a young girl in a small town and it's the chief of police. He went into detail to the point of even telling the signal from the girl they waited on to run in and all this was told to the news paper imidiatly after the arrest and printed in the paper in the next weekly addition. I'm trying to help. In North Georgia

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1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Releasing detailed information about an individual's involvement in a police operation, especially to the media, can raise serious privacy and safety concerns. In Georgia, as in other states, there are legal and ethical considerations regarding the disclosure of such information, particularly if it could endanger the individual.

If the individual is a minor or if the disclosure puts them at risk, this action by the police could be seen as irresponsible and potentially violating privacy rights. The specific laws and departmental policies governing such disclosures vary, but in general, law enforcement should be cautious about revealing sensitive information that could compromise someone's safety.

You might consider discussing this matter with the police department, expressing your concerns about the potential risks and implications of such disclosures. If the response is unsatisfactory, you could also reach out to local government officials or a civil rights organization for further guidance.

In cases where there's a potential violation of privacy or endangerment, consulting with an attorney experienced in civil rights or privacy law can be helpful. They can provide advice on possible legal actions or remedies to protect the individual's rights and safety.

It's important to act promptly in such situations to address any immediate risks and to seek appropriate remedies for any harm caused by the disclosure.

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