POL3702 Assignment 1
Semester 2 Memo
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Due 28 August 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Question 1
1.1 Reasons for a media statement to be based on the principle of equality and impartiality:
Sergeant Ngobese's media statement should have been based on the principles of equality and
impartiality for the following reasons:
Public Trust and Professionalism: An impartial and equal media statement reinforces
the public's trust in the police service. By not singling out individuals or communities
based on their background (e.g., mentioning the suspect was from Mamelodi Extension
5), the police demonstrate that they are a professional and unbiased service that treats all
individuals and communities with respect.
Preventing Stigmatisation: Releasing specific personal particulars of the suspect, such
as their name and residential area, can lead to the stigmatisation of their family, friends,
or even the entire community. The principle of equality demands that no person or
community is unfairly prejudiced by an official statement.
Upholding Legal and Ethical Standards: Releasing the names of deceased individuals
prematurely, especially when an investigation is ongoing, can violate the privacy of the
victims and their families. It is a fundamental ethical requirement for police officials to
act with sensitivity and discretion, ensuring that the next-of-kin are informed first before
any public announcement. Impartiality means treating both the victim and the suspect
with dignity in an official statement, while respecting the legal process.
Accuracy and Fact-Based Reporting: An impartial statement focuses solely on verified
facts related to the crime and the investigation. Sgt Ngobese's statement, by including
unverified or non-essential details, went beyond the bounds of impartial reporting. The
principle of equality and impartiality requires that the police avoid speculation and only
release information that is necessary for public safety and the advancement of the
investigation.
1.2 Types of information that Sgt Ngobese may or may not make known to the media:
Information Sgt Ngobese MAY
Information Sgt Ngobese MAY NOT make known
make known
The number of reported incidents Names of the deceased and their personal particulars, until the
(e.g., five house robberies). next-of-kin have been officially notified.
The identity and personal particulars of a suspect, especially
The general nature of the crime
before they have been formally identified and the family has
(e.g., house robbery).
been notified.
A general description of the
Speculative details about the crime, the motives, or the
items taken (e.g., laptops,
background of those involved.
jewellery).
Semester 2 Memo
(COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Due 28 August 2025
For assistance contact
Email:
, Question 1
1.1 Reasons for a media statement to be based on the principle of equality and impartiality:
Sergeant Ngobese's media statement should have been based on the principles of equality and
impartiality for the following reasons:
Public Trust and Professionalism: An impartial and equal media statement reinforces
the public's trust in the police service. By not singling out individuals or communities
based on their background (e.g., mentioning the suspect was from Mamelodi Extension
5), the police demonstrate that they are a professional and unbiased service that treats all
individuals and communities with respect.
Preventing Stigmatisation: Releasing specific personal particulars of the suspect, such
as their name and residential area, can lead to the stigmatisation of their family, friends,
or even the entire community. The principle of equality demands that no person or
community is unfairly prejudiced by an official statement.
Upholding Legal and Ethical Standards: Releasing the names of deceased individuals
prematurely, especially when an investigation is ongoing, can violate the privacy of the
victims and their families. It is a fundamental ethical requirement for police officials to
act with sensitivity and discretion, ensuring that the next-of-kin are informed first before
any public announcement. Impartiality means treating both the victim and the suspect
with dignity in an official statement, while respecting the legal process.
Accuracy and Fact-Based Reporting: An impartial statement focuses solely on verified
facts related to the crime and the investigation. Sgt Ngobese's statement, by including
unverified or non-essential details, went beyond the bounds of impartial reporting. The
principle of equality and impartiality requires that the police avoid speculation and only
release information that is necessary for public safety and the advancement of the
investigation.
1.2 Types of information that Sgt Ngobese may or may not make known to the media:
Information Sgt Ngobese MAY
Information Sgt Ngobese MAY NOT make known
make known
The number of reported incidents Names of the deceased and their personal particulars, until the
(e.g., five house robberies). next-of-kin have been officially notified.
The identity and personal particulars of a suspect, especially
The general nature of the crime
before they have been formally identified and the family has
(e.g., house robbery).
been notified.
A general description of the
Speculative details about the crime, the motives, or the
items taken (e.g., laptops,
background of those involved.
jewellery).
