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

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered
  • Criminal Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

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.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.