Cambio del nivel del conocimiento de la normatividad forense de los medios por medio de la instrucción

Abstract

Reporters and photographers of the mass media have demonstrated an ignorance of the need to preserve the site of a crime that is indeed worrisome. It is known that due to incorrect handling and intervention in this matter, an investigation by forensic personnel can be undermined, leading to grave problems such as impunity and disinformation. Objective: To identify the deficiencies in the knowledge by reporters and photographers of the correct handling of the site of a crime. At the same time, to make such representatives of the mass media aware that in addition to their job of informing the public, they have a responsibility to respect the conceptual and technical aspects of forensic science, the legal norms of the same, and the moral and ethical values of their profession. Materials and methods: A short 10 question survey was employed to discover the degree of knowledge among 33 reporters (66%) and 17 photographers (34%) in relation to the conceptual, technical and normative aspects of the preservation of the scene of a crime. The survey, a prospective sequential study based on a descriptive observational intervention, was conducted before and after a training program that included the mentioned subjects. The data obtained were processed with the statistical program for social sciences (SPSS®), version 15 for Windows®. Texts, tables and graphics were processed on a personal computer. Results: The results of the survey demonstrate a profound ignorance by the participants about the correct handling of the scene of a crime, especially in relation to conceptual and technical aspects as well as the current legal norms in Mexico City. It was found that only 20% of the reporters and photographers interviewed are aware of the importance of preserving the scene of a crime, that 68% know the meaning of the term “preservation of the scene of a crime”, and that scarcely 13% are informed about the adequate moment to carry out their work on the scene of a crime. Finally, a mere 4% has knowledge of the current law in Mexico City in regard to the subject of the present study. After applying the survey, a semester course was designed and offered to the participants of the survey. After taking this course, the participating reporters and photographers showed a 70-80% improvement in their knowledge of the conceptual and technical aspects of, as well as the legal norms related to the preservation of the scene of a crime. Discussion: Forensic work can be impeded by the lack of preservation of the scene of a crime, since the lack of such care can negatively affect the gathering of information vital to an investigation. Among the undesirable consequences of incorrect intervention in the scene of a crime by reporters and photographers are the drawing of incorrect conclusions in a forensic investigation and a resulting impunity of the law. It is worth emphasizing that the norms stipulated in Mexico City law are unknown to the vast majority of reporters and photographers.After implementing a training course to the participants of the present study, we noted a marked improvement in the awareness of the conceptual, technical and legal aspects of the handling of the scene of a crime. This shows that with such course content in the program of journalistic studies in universities as well as in continuing education, some problems revealed in the current contribution can be addressed