Grand Valley State University

From the SelectedWorks of Joanne Ziembo-Vogl

Spring 2000

Community Policing and Civic : Same Wine, Different Bottles? Joanne Ziembo-Vogl, Grand Valley State University

Available at: https://works.bepress.com/joanne_ziembovogl/6/ Rosenbaum D.P., S. Yeh and D. L Wilkinson (1994). IIlmpact of COMMUNITY POLICING Community Policing on Police AND CIVIC JOURNALISM: Personnel: A Quasi-Experimental Test" Crime and Delinquency vol. SAME WINE, DIFFERENT BOTILES? 40 no. 3. pp. 331-353.

Skolnick, Jerome and David Joanne Ziembo-Vogl, Ph. D. Bayley, The New Blue Line: Police Innovations in Six Americ;;an Cities NY: Free Press, 1986. ABSTRACT Skogan, W.G. (1994). liThe Impact of Community Policing on Community policing and civic journalism are strikingly simi/iar, current Neighborhood Residents: A Cross­ movements within the social organizations of law enforcement and mass Site Analysis." p. 167-81 in The media. Defining civic journalism, best thought of as "community-focused Challenge of Community Policing: journalism," has been problematic for the field of mass media but shapes Testing the Promise, edited by the starting point for discussion. Identifying, analyzing, and contrasting Dennis P. Rosenbaum. Thousand commonalties within these two movements are the topics explored within Oaks, CA: Sage. this work. While the precepts of each movement are shaped by the respective organization, the inherent processes and goals remain notably Sparrow, Malcolm, Mark Moore similiar. What are the comparative connections that shape community and David Kennedy, Beyond 911, empowerment? How does each organization partner with its shared NY: Basic Books 1990. "community client" to identify and solve problems? Of special interest to law enforcement is the issue of how police departments can make use of Trojanowicz, R. and Bucqueroux, B the civic journalism movement to further their agency's community policing (1990). Community Policing: A efforts. Contemporary Perspective Cincinnati, OH: Anderson Publishing. '''ITRODUCTION to be more responsive to readers" (1994). Community Policing: How says Alexander (1998). Rodding To Get Started. Cincinnati, OH: Defining Civic Journalism Carter (1995) terms it a Anderson Publishing. "combination of solid reporting There is no universal definition of and public participation" needed Williams, Brian W. (1996) Citizen civic journalism. Ask twenty because "many citizens have lost Perspectives on Community different media practitioners or touch with each other and many Policing: A Case Study in Athens. twenty journalism professors to organizations have lost touch GA., Unpublished Doctoral define what has been called a with their communities" (in Pew Dissertation. "new movement" (Corrigon, 1996, Center, p.4). Further, Keep, 1996) and you will receive and academics hold conflicting twenty different answers.Civic views of just what civic journalism journalism is the industry's is and often fall back on recognition that need describing how it is practiced as

:ommunity Policing, No.2, VoL 1 Spring 2000 The Journal ofCommunity Policing, No.2, Vol.l Spring 2000 39 opposed to how it is defined. advancements have resulted in a intense local coverage than on disconnection between journalists news from national and Quoting from Black (1996, p.1A), and citizens. Resulting from this international bureaus, and (6) a staff writer for the Minneapolis disconnection is the recognition journalists should not view people Star Tribune, "Public (civic) that IIcivic life and journalism are as potential customers of news, but journalism is hard to define inextricably bound together" and (1S potentia I actors in the succinctly. It has arisen in response that journalists must "stimulate democratic process who can solve to various signals warning that citizens to reengage with their community problems (pA). and public lives are in communities by fostering trouble and that journalism is in journalism that includes the public Typically, civic journalism involves disrepute, and in response to the voice" a media affiance: "ideally a belief that certain bad habits of , a commercial conventional journalism have At the center of the civic journalism television station, and one or more contributed to these problems" or public journalism concept is the radio stations" (Fouhy, in Pew (p. IA). Black notes these bad habits idea that the press should help Center, 1995, p.3). Even though include: (1) that "overreliance by communities improve. Within what some have successfully journalists on politicians, experts Paul Keep, former Editor of the Bay personalized the concept, others and celebrities as the only ones City Times, terms" a movement" still do not understand it. As might worthy of being quoted, consulted, in journalism, is found the press be expected, not everyone or covered has encouraged public acting as "catalysts for change embraces the tenants of this new passivity by assigning the average within their communities (1996, journalism concept. citizen no role other than recipient p.12A). According to a survey of the news, (2) the legendary developed Don Corrigon, Editorial Conflicting and Critical Views of cynicism of journalists that has Board, St. Louis journalism Review, Civic Journalism helped create a public that the following attitudes and mistrusts major public institutions, practices are suggested for By 1994, the definition problem and (3) journalists, who because journalists: (1) "journalists should was gaining momentum and, by they are obsessed with offer solutions to the community default, ambiguity. Rosen "made it maintaining their detachment, problems they write about in their a point to introduce public give the impression that they don't stories, (2) journalists should see journalism as a work in progress .. really care whether society thrives their jobs as that of initiators of -were still inventing it. And because or falls apart" public debate, (3) journalists we're inventing it, we don't really should get directly involved in know what it is', (in Glasser,1999). According to Edward M. Fouhy, helping solve the problems of the Killenberg and Dardenne (both Executive Director of the Pew communities that they report in, (4) journalism professors) have stated Center for Civic journalism, the journalists should see themselves that "journalists hate it because bad habits mentioned by Black, more as participants in the they don't know what it is, and include lithe communications democratic process, rather than as academics love it because they revolution that has changed the watchdogs of democratic don't know what it is and they like way people get their news and government, (5) journalists should not knowing because it generates results in a threat to the media's write more on what affects ordinary more study. ..easily defined existence" (1995, p. 2). Fouhy citizens rather than on the major subjects don't often generate study" refers to electronic advancements news events of the day... similarly, (in Stein, 1997, p. 31). in news delivery and how these civic journalism relies more on

40 The Joumal ofCommunity Policing. No.2, Vol. I Spring 2000 The Journal ofCommunity Policing, No.2, Vol. I ancements have resulted in a intense local coverage than on Like community policing, some :onnedion between journalists news from nationa I and critics have charged that too much I citizens. Resulting from this international bureaus, and (6) falls under the rubric of civic :onnedion is the recognition journalists should not view people journalism. Corrigon quotes Davis . IIcivic life and journalism are as potential customers of news, but IIBuzz li Merritt, who concedes that dricably bound together" and as potential actors in the many public journalism projects t journalists must "stimulate democratic process who can solve go far beyond what he finds ens to reengage with their community problems (pA). acceptable as an editorll (1997, nmunities by fostering p.9). Loosely using the term 'nalism that includes the public Typically, civic journalism involves IItheory" and referring to :e" a media affiance: "ideally a practitioners, Merrit cautions newspaper, a commercial " ... because their understanding of ne center of the civic journalism television station, and one or more the theory was so shallow, and their )ublic journalism concept is the radio stations" (Fouhy, in Pew hunger for immediate change so l that the press should help Center, 1995, p.3). Even though great, many of them overshot, lmunities improve. Within what some have successfully which meant that what they labeled I Keep, former Editor of the Bay personalized the concept, others 'public journalism' became a huge, , Times, terms II a movement" still do not understand it. As might fat, almost unmis stable target for ournalism, is found the press be expected, not everyone would-be critics". ing as "catalysts for change embraces the tenants of this new lin their communities (1996, journalism concept. Black and Stein both imply that 2A). According to a survey civic or public journalism is nothing eloped Don Corrigon, Editorial Conflicting and Critical Views of more (to coin a community policing Ird, St. louis Journalism Review, Civic Journalism phrase) than old wine in new following attitudes and bottles. According to Black, " .. .it's Ictices are suggested for By 1994, the definition problem much ado about nothing, rna lists: (1) "journalists should was gaining momentum and, by something in which old-fashioned ~r solutions to the community default, ambiguity. Rosen "made it journalistic virtues are given fancy blems they write about in their a point to introduce public new names so that newspapers and 'ies, (2) journalists should see journalism as a work in progress .. broadcast stations can claim to be ir jobs as that of initiators of -were still inventing it. And because doing something about the :>Iic debate, (3) journalists we're inventing it, we don't really perceived rising tide of customer )uld get directly involved in know what it is', (in Glasser,1999). alienation (1996, p. IA). Thus, there ping solve the problems of the Killenberg and Dardenne (both is some inherent market­ nmunities that they report in, (4) journalism professors) have stated modeling" or economic value to rna lists should see themselves that "journalists hate it because civic journalism; cultivating more Ire as participants in the they don't know what it is, and readers via civic journalism nocratic process, rather than as academics love it because they equates to more advertising and tchdogs of democratic don't know what it is and they like more advertising equates to rernment, (5) journalists should not knowing because it generates increased newspaper profit. Stein te more on what affects ordinary more study. . .easily defined mentions, as do other practitioners, z:ens rather than on the major subjects don't often generate study" that civic journalism is "nothing ,",s events of the day... similarly, (in Stein, 1997, p. 31). more than good journalism" and ic journalism relies more on involves what journalists "have

unity Policing, No.2, Vol I The Journal of Community Policing, No.2, \\>1. I Spring 2000 41 been doing all along" (1997, CIVIC journalism has been reform movement tauly, in Glas: p.31 ). experienced among reporters., 1999). Chronologically, it appe Black (1996, p.l A) contends that i to have started well after the or Evidently there are those who view Ita small group of would-be! of the community polici civic journalism as a different reformers" has achieved success movement. Thus far, it • breed of animal, for journalism selling the concept of civic' developed in mirror-like fash practitioners raise the ethical journalism to editors and to' when compared to commun dilemma of whether it is a publishers, "but they have met a oriented law enforcement. In reporter's job to report about wall of suspicion ond resistance abstract form, the underlYI problems or to solve them. Block among large segments of the reasons for the emergence of b is strong with his criticism and cites working press". Liz Chandler, a movements are simil

that "public journalism is a bad practicing civic journalism reporter Spearheading both concepts I idea that will divert resources from ot the Charlotte Observer; a the issues of reconnecting VI good old-fashioned reporting, a newspaper that ran a nationally citizens and encouraging dangerous ideo that violates acclaimed and highly successful rebuilding a sense of ci important journalistic principles of civic journalism effort to fight crime responsibility among the pub objectivity or a cynical idea that and neighborhood deterioration in For law enforcement, this mec will lead to even more pandering that city, mentions that public shifting a share ofthe responsib to the public than the medio journalism is only one tool for crime to citizens - for mec already pradice" (1996, p.IA) reporters use, and hesitates to crime is one piece of alar! embrace participation "pie". In contrast to the ethical issue (in Waddell, 1997). posed above, Jay Black, editor of Recalling earlier discussion, c Mixed News, cites Rosen (1996, In the definitional information and journalism emerged in response p.34), identified as the leading current criticisms related to civic the media industry's recognitiol theoretician of public journalism, journolism, those readers familiar the need to be more responsive who discusses the press as an adive with community policing have : readers" (Alexander, 1998) al and natural participant in likely noted a variety of similarities 'because "citizens had lost tOI American life: Public journalism is between civic journalism and ,with each other and nE thus a confrontation with a long­ community policing. The concept organizations had lost touch wi suppressed fact: the press is 0 or movement of civic journalism is their communities" (per Car participant in our national life. It strikingly similar to the community 1995). It was further recognizee suffers when the quality of public policing movement within law media that '~mericans across life erodes. And when the enforcement. Those commonalties nation are shunning the c performance of the press are now explored and expanded. enterprise ... and the health of deteriorates - as it has in recent democracy depends on citi; years - then public life suffers as Comparing Civic Journalism participation" (Pew Center, p. 1) well. This means there are limits to and Community Policing some, such as Pauly, the deaH the stance of the observer in Reasons for the Emergence of Americans engaged in the c journalism; but the American press Civic Journalism enterprise is the result has no philosophy that takes over dissatisfaction with me when those limits are reached. The issue of civic journalism shows themselves and their poor (n Public journalism provides one. promise of remaining in the media and over-coverc A certain degree of resistance to forefront and has been called a journalism practices during

42 The Jownal ofCommunity Policing, No.2, Vol. I Spring 2000 The Journal of Community Policing, No. IVIC journalism has been reform movement tauly, in Glasser, 1988 and 1992 elections (in x:perienced among reporters. 1999). Chronologically, it appears Glasser, 1999, p.140). According lack (1996, p.1A) contends that to have started well after the onset to Pauly, as apathy and cynicism Cl small group of would-be of the community policing peaked, "the public felt !formers" has achieved success movement. Thus far, it has discon nected from all its elling the concept of civic developed in mirror-like fashion institutions". While it would be >urnalism to editors and to when compared to community­ speculation to connect this media ublishers, "but they have met a oriented law enforcement. In an identified peak in apathy and 'all of suspicion and resistance abstract form, the underlying cynicism to crime and the public's mong large segments of the reasons for the emergence of both perception related to law 'orking press". liz Chandler, a movements are similar. enforcement's ability to deal with radicing civic journalism reporter Spearheading both concepts are crime it is worth considering. t the Charlotte Observer; a the issues of reconnecting with ewspaper that ran a nationally citizens and encouraging or The Issue of Proper Functions cclaimed and highly successful rebuilding a sense of civic ivic journalism effort to fight crime responsibility among the public. From a police perspective, the nd neighborhood deterioration in For law enforcement, this means community oriented movement lat city, mentions that public shifting a share ofthe responsibility raised the question of what the )urnalism is only one tool for crime to citizens - for media, proper role or function of police !:porters use, and hesitates to crime is one piece of a larger should be in terms of how police mbrace investigative journalism participation "pie". services are delivered. Many n Wadden, 1997). officers have viewed community Recalling earlier discussion, CIVIC policing as a replacement (rather , the definitional information and journalism emerged in response to than an expansion) for traditional urrent criticisms related to civic the media industry'S recognition of policing and such views have )urnalism, those readers familiar the need to be more responsive to contributed to resistance within lith community policing have readers" (Alexander, 1998) and police agencies. Expanding the kely noted a variety of similarities because "citizens had lost touch crime fighting function of the police etween civic journalism and with each other and news that took precedence during the ommunity policing. The concept organizations had lost touch with professional or reform era (Per r movement of civic journalism is their communities" (per Carter, Kelling and Moore, 1988) and trikingly similar to the community 1995). It was further recognized by reconnecting with citizens to ,olicing movement within law media that '~mericans across the remedy the resulting reform era nforcement. Those commonalties nation are shunning the civic isolation between police and Ire now explored and expanded. enterprise ... and the health of our public have not always been easy democracy depends on citizen "sells." The "theory" of civic Comparing Civic Journalism participation" (Pew Center, p. 1). To journalism brings with it and Community Policing some, such as Pauly, the death of comparable concerns and Reasons for the Emergence of Americans engaged in the civic resultant resistance at the reporter Civic Journalism enterprise is the result of (line) level. dissatisfaction with media 'he issue of civic journalism shows themselves and their poor (read Within a media framework, and .romise of remaining in the media sensationalism and over-coverage) again referencing Keep, the issue Drefront and has been called a journalism practices during the is "whether helping communities

ununity Policing, No.2, Vol. I Spring 2000 The Journal of Community Policing, No.2, Vol. I Spring 2000 43 improve" is a proper role or of human need (that) tend to be agencies that receive governmt function for newspapers. Keep reported in a way that is ultimately funding and grant money muses that the overall debate is one sided and heroic rather than additional hiring of police offi one that emerges from absolutists critical and thoughtful. Whether either institution, pre: who believe that "newspapers police, takes to heart the cone should play no direct role in Journalists should tell and expose of these civic & comml helping their communities" and the underlying policy story. In fact, movements, or simply uses thel activists who a rgue that "telling the policy story is the moral theft latent benefits, is yet tc "newspapers have a responsibility responsibility of the ." determined. to be more involved participants However, it is believed that in the future of their communities" journalists "should not tell the The Issue of Community (1996, p.12A). The absolutists stories of individual need" as this Empowerment claim objectivity is lost by activist type of "compassionate reporting approaches whereby journalists results in unjustified harm when Trojanowicz and Bucquel and newspapers become "friends" news organizations participote in (1994, p.9) couch the aspet of the community. Keep disagrees the same kind of institutional community empowerment w with both the absolutists and unfairness they are often seeking an underlying theoretical basi activists, citing (essentially) that to expose" (for instance, assisting communitypolicir community improvement results one particular citizen by virtue of Empowerment, as one of the t from, and is inherentwithin, the drawing media attention to some core aspects of critical sc traditional news and entertainment newsworthy problem the citizen is theory, occurs when people " functions of newspapers. Or, as experiencing when other action to improve theft conditic Carter puts it: "It's (civic journalism) individuals with similar problems For empowerment to occur, citi based on the public's rightto know have no access to such media must first be enlightenec - one of the principles guiding recourse). informed about" 1 good journalism. Add that to the circumstances before they public's right to participate ... " (in According to Allavan-Majid (1995, lobby for change". Withi Pew Center, 1995). p.30), "the (media) pendulum community policing model, p appears to have swung back in the facilitate enlightenment. The s Media function - is such activist direction of greater community is true in civic journalism w reporting a proper function for and CIVIC involvement by reporting is "reoriented... c journalists? newspaper organizations, in the from the sources of news context of a movement that reflects toward the recipients of ne It has been cha rged that the a new, and somewhat unexpected, .away from description and tOl concept of public journalism convergence of economic and a better alternative (alternath merely allows a news organization intellectuaI motivations", Latent solve a problem or iss lito prove that they do more than economic motivations result from (Campbell, in Glasser, 1999, p publish just the bad news" (Elliott, personal interaction with local vi). Like police, media can 1997, p. 221-24). Where news 'political elites who function as conceptually be thought of media in democratic countries major sources of news and factor of the enlightenment ~ fulfill a social function to tell people advertising revenue for the of critical social theory. T what they need to know for self. newspaper". A similar latent media bring about and pro! governance, such social function function of community policing is citizenawareness of a problem should not be replaced by "stories enjoyed by law enforcement suggest solutions to ramed)

44 The Journal ofCommunity Policing, No.2, VoL I Spring 2000 The Journal of Community Policing, No. uman need (that) tend to be agencies that receive governmental problem. •rted in a way that is ultimately funding and grant money for sided and heroic rather than additional hiring of police officers. In a case study of media's function :al and thoughtful. Whether either institution, press or in community policing, Ziembo­ police, takes to heart the concepts Vogi found that empowerment nalists should tell and expose of these civic & community emerged out of media coverage underlying policy story. In fact, movements, or simply uses them for (1998, p.259). However, she found ing the policy story is the moral theft latent benefits, is yet to be that both police and community lonsibility of the journalist." determined. became empowered. "Media 'lever, it is believed that coverage serves as a reward 'nalists "should not tell the The Issue of Community mechanism that can elicit es of individual need" as this Empowerment jealousies among some officers of "compassionate reporting and that serves to empower others. Iits in unjustified harm when Trojanowicz and Bucqueroux Likewise, media coverage is a s organizations participate in (1994, p.9) couch the aspect of prestige and reward factor for same kind of institutional community empowerment within neighborhood citizens and lirness they are often seeking an underlying theoretical basis for maintains momentum for civic xpose" (for instance, assisting communitypolicing. activism ... neighborhood stories particular citizen by virtue of Empowerment, as one of the three are best, they generate energy "'ing media attention to some core aspects of critical social among officers and neighbors". 'sworthy problem the citizen is theory, occurs when people "take Sustaining momentum, in turn, eriencing when other action to improve theft conditions". fosters increased empowerment viduals with similar problems For empowerment to occur, citizens among citiZens. e no access to such media must first be enlightened or )urse). informed about" their The Ps: Proactive, Personalized, circumstances before they can Philosophy, Partnership and ording to Allavan-Majid (1995, lobby for change". Within a Problem Solving 0), "the (media) pendulum community policing model, police .ears to have swung back in the facilitate enlightenment. The same The Trojanowicz Paradigm entails ~ction of greater community is true in civic journalism where "Nine Ps" of community policing: J CIVIC involvement by reporting is "reoriented... away (1) that it is a philosophy, (2) that it Ispaper organizations, in the from the sources of news and is personalized • accounting for text of a movement that reflects toward the recipients of news .. why it looks different from site to ew, and somewhat unexpected, .away from description and toward site, (3) that it maintains a strong Ivergence of economic and a better alternative (alternative to law enforcement focus {policing), dlectual motivations". Latent solve a problem or issue)" (4) that community police officers nomic motivations result from (Campbell, in Glasser, 1999, p.XXV­ patrol from a (5-6) permanent sonal interaction with local vi). Like police, media can then place (beat area), and that (7-9) litical elites who function as conceptually be thought of as a police work in proactive jor sources of news and factor of the enlightenment stage partnership with citizens to identify lertising revenue for the of critical social theory. Thus, and solve problems (see also ",spaper". A similar latent media bring about and promote Trojanowicz and Bucqueroux, ction of community policing is citizenawareness of a problem and 1994). Several ofthese Nine Ps are oyed by law enforcement suggest solutions to remedy the evident within the civic journalism

mity Policing, No.2, VoL I Spring 2000 The Joumal of Community Policing, No.2, Vol. I Spring 2000 45 concept. journalism. Journalists speak of The Issues of Corruption "spending time in the and Objectivity First, Rosen (1994) and ")thers neighborhood," dealing with (Steele, 1997) now define civic stories in a problem solving Like community policing, civ, journalism as a philosophy, fashion by "fostering discussion journalism suggests that journalis suggesting it will take time to about solutions" as opposed to refrain from viewing people c achieve a cultural shift within dealing with stories in an clients and think of them more i media organizations that is "episodic fashion" (reactive terms of actors or partners. Fe conducive or reflective of this new reporting), and tackling the thing media, citizens are partners in th philosophical model. As part of the (the problem) in a more broad democratic process who can sol-v cultural shift, the "philosophy" of context" (Pew Center, 1995). community problems. While som civic journalism is now discussed have worried about the potentic in terms of how to teach it within Partnering with citizens, once for increased police corruption vi university Schools of journalism issues and problems are brought closer contact between police an (Killenberg and Dardenne, 1997) to the attention of the public, is citizens, journalists conceptualiz central to addressing the root and debate the appropriateness c As with community policing, causes of a problem, especially in this "community-reporfE "there's no one modeL .. no civic journalism projects that have partnership" in terms of its impal template to provide the framework addressed crime and crime­ on reporter objectivity. for... successful civic journalism. related issues. But the aspect of what works (in one location) may partnership is broader in civic Steele (1997, p.162-63) sums u not work somewhere else" (Carter, journalism than just work with the media ethical debate inherel in Pew Center, 1995). Thus, it is a citizens. Inherently, it means within a reporter's new role c concept that requires partnering with other media partner with the public: "Shoul "personalization." entities toward the resolution of a reporters be investigators of systel common problem. As highlighted failure or initiators of solutions Just as proponents of community earlier, ideallv this requires a Should journalists be detache policing claim it retains and newspaper, a television station, observers or activist participanh maintains a strong focus on law and a radio station or twc:-. Those Should news pa pe rs b enforcement (the traditional police who study competition between independent watchdogs ( function and model), proponents various media will understand the conveners of public forums?". n of civic journalism are quick to enormity and uniqueness of questions encompassing th point out that the traditional and competing media (especially ethical debate are not easi: time honored aspects of when all are local media) entities answered for they strike at the hea journalism are not being replaced partnering together to resolve a of traditionally held journalist - rather, th is new model of community problem. Yet, in many values: objectivity and th journalism requires thinking about public journalism projects, watchdog concept (also termed tf news gathering in a new way and partnership become broader still "" or as a check an the public's right to participate in as media pinpoint and lobby for balance on government abuses). addition to its right to know. The assistance from those government The suggestion of a proacti-v liPS" of permanent, proactive, an... agencies thev have identified as partnership between reporters an problem solving are strc.lgly key players (or key obstacles) in a citizens is further developed i evidenced when one examines the problem's solution. Oft times, this materials disseminated by the Pe operational aspects of civic can mean law enforcement. Center for Civic Journalism the

46 The Journal of Community Policing, No.2, Vol. I The Journal ofCommunity Policing. No.2, , Jrnalism. Journalists speak of The Issues of Corruption suggest civic journalism reflects a pending time in the and Objectivity new investigative style of dghborhood," dealing with journalism - an investigative style ::>ries in a problem solving Like community policing, CIVIC that requires the watchdog shion by "fostering discussion journalism suggests that journalists concept, but one that goes beyond )out solutions" as opposed to refrain from viewing people as this press function to solve the laling with stories in an clients and think of them more in uncovered or discovered 'pisodic fashion" (reactive terms of actors or partners. For (community) problem. In such an porting), and tackling the thing media, citizens are partners in the instance where the community Ie problem) in a more broad democratic process who can solve problem might revolve around ,ntext" (Pew Center, 1995). community problems. While some some form of police or govern­ have worried about the potential ment corruption, civic journalism Irtnering with citizens, once for increased police corruption via holds potential for adding another iues and problems are brought closer contact between police and layer of accountability and a the attention of the public, is citizens, journalists conceptualize mechanism for retaining media's mtral to addressing the root and debate the appropriateness of watchdog function. 111 a luses of a problem, especially in this "community-reporter philosophical context, some lie journalism projects that have partnership" in terms of its impact journalists frame these ethical :ldressed crime and crime­ on reporter objectivity. issues in terms of organizational lated issues. But the aspect of culture, identifying that media must lrtnership is broader in civic Steele (1997, p.162-63) sums up "change conventions about what urnalism than just work with the media ethical debate inherent is news and how it is covered". tizens. Inherently, it means within a reporter's new role as Steele cites Rosen (1994, p.165), ::trtnering with other media partner with the public: "Should who perhaps puts it best: II Public 1tities toward the resolution of a reporters be investigators of system journalism is not a settled doctrine )mmon problem. As highlighted failure or initiators of solutions? or a strict code of conduct but an lrlier, ideallv this requires a Should. journalists be detached unfolding philosophy about the ewspaper, a television station, observers or activist participants? place of the journalist in public life. "d a radio station or tw('l, Those Should newspapers be Journalists will have to redefine ho study competition between independent watchdogs or their own standards of proper lrious media will understand the conveners of public forums?". The conduct, (and) draw neW and normity and uniqueness of questions encompassing this imaginative lines that mark off :>mpeting media (especially ethical debate are not easily their special functions". hen all are local media) entities answered for they strike at the heart artnering together to resolve a of traditionally held journalistic Using Civic Journalism to :>mmunity problem. Yet, in many lues: objectivity and the Enhance Community Policing ublic journalism projects, watchdog concept (also termed the artnership become broader still "fourth estatell or as a check and It is not as though one can walk s media pinpoint and lobby for balance on government abuses). into any and ask, "Hey, ssistance from those government The suggestion of a proactive do you practice civic journalism?" gencies thev have identified as partnership between reporters and Although, in certain instances, this ey players (or key obstacles) in a citizens is further developed in might be exactly what one should roblem's solution. Oft times, this materials disseminated by the Pew do as some media (newspapers an mean law enforcement. Center for Civic Journalism that specifically) are quite open about

munity Policing, No, 2, VoL I The Journal ofCommunity Policing, No, 2, VOl I Spring 2000 47 their practice of civic journalism. spite of the lack of clear nlrf'lrtl(\n journalism described earlier, t~ This might be especially true in the Midwest Police Department' editor's efforts were singular an cities promoting community or community policing initiative not civic journalism, per se. civic·oriented government. enjoyed positive results from Anecdotally and from case study coverage. As one Comm In contrast, the Bay City Times research related to community Police Sergeant remarked: an East Michigan newspaper thj policing and media (including civic played a big role in making th openly espouses civic journalisn journalism) there appears to be two happen. Articles in the lV\I\.IYV\:fl>1 While still in the data gatherin modes of civic journalism practice, Journal built positive morale in stage, a case study of th both dependent on the degree of community police officers and newspaper and the city's polie organizational commitment to the the neighborhoods; it was a reward agency preliminarilv indicates concept. The first involves an for their creativity. Coverag strong association between civ organizational mantra promoting brought out a lot in the officers and journalism precepts and increase the use of civic journalism that is was a reward for their good jobs. positive coverage of polic strongly promoted within the news (1998) community policing efforts. Th organization (referring here . increase is striking when on specifically to newspapers). The Newspaper coverage as a reward considers the overt history ( second is an organizational mechanism for community conflict in police.media relatior mantra that is weakly promoted volunteers and neighborhoods, in between these two organization: with only rudimentary guidance general, was often observed during In addition to the positiv provided for its practice. Whether field research by community community policing coverag overtly supported in strong fashion residents who often offered realized, the practice of civi or covertly promoted in weak scrapbooks and photo album journalism served as catalyst an fashion, the identified components proudly displaying articles clipped facilitated a successful multi-medi of civic journalism's practice mesh, from the Midwest Journal (1998). partnership aimed at buildin by default, with community community awareness related 1 policing initiatives and police At the Midwest Journal, the Inn·uuv, gang activity spreading North u agenCies have reaped latent defined concept of civic journalism the 1-75 freeway corridor. rewards proved to be a catalyst and mechanism for one civic-minded Conclusion As mentioned, the news organ­ editor who developed a year-long ization does not always do a good series of feature articles focusing, The comparison at hand is job of explaining civic journalism to a large degree on community skeletal representation of compiE to the line level. This was the policing efforts in the city and tided issues. The method of comparis() situation at the Midwest Journal a "Neighborhoods in the 90s./I is first dependent upon th newspaper examined in a case These articles served to maintain conceptual framework on study performed by Ziembo-Vogi momentum for civic activism chooses to use for diagnosis. Or (1998). Midwest is a Gannett· among the neighborhood could analyze from within th owned newspaper and although residents via the reward framework of democracy an the corporate mantra loosely mechanism served by media: what democracy means in terms! espoused civic journalism (as the coverage, and provided pos' civic journalism (see Campbel concept was understood at the coverage for the city's polk 1999; Peters, 1999). Orone cou time of the study) via increased agency (1998). However, whe examine from a social contrl focus on the community, and in compared to the precepts of ciVI aspect, combining vestiges l

48 The Journal ofCommunity Policing, No.2, Vol. I The Journal ofCommunity Policing. No.2, , te of the lack of clear direction{ journalism described earlier, the symbolic interaction. Further still, Midwest Police Department's editor's efforts were singular and there is the economic perspective nmunity policing initiative still not civic journalism, per se. steeped within enhanced oyed positive results from news competition due to what is termed (erage. As one Community In contrast, the Bay City Times is cyberspace journalism, where it is ice Sergeant remarked: Media an East Michigan newspaper that now possible for a newspaper to Iyed a big role in making things openly espouses civic journalism. "scoop itself' by posting a ppen. Articles in the Midwest While still in the data gathering breaking story frrst on its website Jrnal built positive morale in stage, a case study of this before hardcopy newspapers roll nmunity police officers and in newspaper and the city's police off the presses and hit the stands, ~ neighborhoods; it was a reward agency preliminarilv indicates a Within the present discussion, civic , their creativity. Coverage strong association between civic journalism has been examined and )ught out a lot in the officers and journalism precepts and increased compared to community policing IS a reward for their good jobs. positive coverage of police predomin-ately from an (98) community policing efforts. This operational standpoint. increase is striking when one Iwspaper coverage as a reward considers the overt history of Operationally, the core concepts of ~chanism for community conflict in police-media relations civic journalism reflect many core lunteers and neighborhoods, in between these two organizations. aspects of community policing. neral, was often observed during In addition to the positive Case studies are beginning to dd research by community community policing coverage indicate that where news entities sidents who often offered realized, the practice of civic (primarily newspapers) espouse rapbooks and photo albums journalism served as catalyst and civic journalism, there tends to be oudly displaying articles clipped facilitated a successful multi-media increased positive coverage of a )m the Midwest Journal (1998). partnership aimed at building department's community policing community awareness related to efforts, enhanced reward the Midwest Journal, the .. gang activity spreading North up mechanisms (and thereby, ~fined concept of civic journal;...... , the I· 75 freeway corridor. empowerment) for community oved to be a catalyst residents and community police echanism for one civic-minded Conclusion officers, and sustained momentum litor who developed a year-long for community policing. While it is ries of feature articles focusing, The comparison at hand is a too simplistic to state that civic a large degree on commu skeletal representation of complex journalism and community )licing efforts in the city and issues. The method of comparison policing are the same wine in -Ieighborhoods in the 90s. is first dependent upon the different bottles, it does appear that lese articles served to mai conceptual framework one the first enhances the second. omentum for civic activis chooses to use for diagnosis. One nong the neighborhoo could analyze from within the Isidents via the rewa framework of democracy and echanism served by medi what democracy means in terms of )verage, and provided civic journalism (see Campbell, )verage for the city's poli 1999; Peters, 1999). Or one could 3ency (1998). However, whe examine from a social control )mpared to the precepts of . aspect, combining vestiges of

rnunity Policing, No.2, Vol. I The Jou:mal ofCommunity Policing, No.2, Vol. I Spring 2000 49 REFERENCES Communitarian Journalism Peters,J.D. (1999). F Debate. J. Black (Ed.) 218·226. journalism and democratic tl Akhavan-Majid, R. (1995). Mahwah,New Jersey: lawrence Pour challenges. In The Id How community involvement Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Public Journalism. ll. Glasse affects editors' role Newspaper 99- 117. New York: Guilford: Research Journal. 16 (4), 29-41. Glasser, ll. (Ed.) (1999a). The idea of public journalism. New York: Pew Center for Civic Journ Alexander, MJ. (1998). Civic Guilford Press. (1995). Civic Journalism. journalism as rationale for Washington, D.C.: The Pew aggressive coverage of domestic (1999b). The idea of public Center for Civic Journalism. assault. Newspaper Research journalism. In The Idea of Public Journal,12 (1) 2-15. Rosen, J. (1995). Making 1 Journalism, ll. Glasser, (Ed.) 3-18. more public: On the political New York: Guilford Press. Black, E. (1996, April 8). responsibility of the media Journalism and the public. intellectual. Critical Studies in Keep, P.M. (1996, May 5). Editors Minneapolis Star Tribune, IA. Communication (11) debate our proper role. The 363-388. Black, J (Ed.) (1997). Mixed news: Bay City Times 12 A. The public/civiclcommunitarian Rosen, J. (1994). Public journc journalism debate. Mahwah, New Kelling, G.l. and Moore, M.H, First principles. In J. Jersey: lawrence Erlbaum (1988). The evolving strategy of Rosen & D. Merritt (Eds.) Publi Associates, Inc. policing. Perspectives on Journalism: Theory and Pro Policing, #4. (NCJ 109955), 19-28. New York: Kettering Corrigan, D. (1997). Racial Washington, D.C.: U.S. Foundation. pledges, gang summits, election Department of Justice, National forums; what actually makes a Institute of Justice. Steele, R.M. (1997). The Eth public journalism project? The Sf. civic journalism: Independen louis Journalism Review 27 Killenberg, G.M. and Dardenne, R, as the guide. In Mixed News (194), 1 & 8-9. (1997). Instruction in news Public/CivicLCom mun itt reporting as community focused Journalism Debate. J. Black (Ed.) 162-175. Mahwah, Corrigan, D. (1996). Public journalism. Journalism & Mass Jersey: lawrence Eri~ journalism questionnaire. School Communication Education, of Communications, Webster Associates, Inc. 52 (1), 52-58. University, St. louis, MO. Stein, M.l. (1997). P Campbell, C. (1999). Journalism Pauly,J. J. (1999). Journalism and journalism loved and hated.. as a democratic art. In The Idea the sociology of public life. &Publisher, (October25), of Public Journalism, Glasser, ll. In The Idea of Public Journalism. 31. (Ed.), xii-xxiv. New York: Guilford T. l. Glasser, Ed.) 134-15l. Press. York: Guilford Press. Trojanowicz, S. (992). Thee community policing. Unpubl Elliott, D. (1997). The problem of thesis for Masters of Sci compassionate journalism. In degree, Michigan State Univ Mixed News: The Public/CivicL East Lansing, MJ.

50 The Journal of Community Policing, No.2, Vol I Spring 2000 The Journal ofCommunity Policing, N( ommunitarian Journalism Peters,J. D. (1999). Public Trojanowicz, R. and Bucqueroux, B. ebate. J. Black (Ed.) 218-226. iournalism and democratic theory: (1994). Community policing: How lahwah,New Jersey: Lawrence Pour challenges. In The Idea of to get started. Cincinnati: -Ibaum Associates, Inc. Public Journalism. T.L Glasser (Ed.) Anderson Publishing. 99-117. New York: Guilford Press. ,lasser, T.L. (Ed.) (1999a). The idea Waddell, L (1997). A different way F public journalism. New York: Pew Center for Civic Journalism of covering crime. In J. Black (1995). Civic Journalism. .uilford Press. (Ed.), Mixed News· The Public / Washington, D.C.: The Pew Civic/Communitarian Journalism Center for Civic Journalism. Debate. 36-37. Mahwah, New 1999b). The idea of public Jersey: Lawrence Eribaum lurnalism. In The Idea of Public Rosen, J. (1995). Making things Associates, Inc. )urnalism, T.L Glasser, (Ed.) 3·1R more public: On the political lew York: Guilford Press. responsibility of the media Ziembo-Vogl,J.(1999). Community intellectual. Critical Studies in Mass policing and the media: Examining .eep, P.M. (1996, May 5). Editors Communication (ll) the news production process in a ebate our proper role. The 363-388. community oriented setting. ,ay City Times 12 A. Presented at the American Society Rosen, J. (1994). Public journalism: of Criminology, Toronto, Ontario, :elling, G.L and Moore, M.H. First principles. In J. Canada, November 1999. 1988). The evolving strategy of Rosen & D. Merritt (Eds.) Public lolidng. Perspectives on Journalism: Theory and Practice. ZiemboNogi, J. M. (1998). The 'olicing, #4. (NCJ 109955). 19·28. New York: Kettering function ofthe media in community Vashington, D.C.: U.S. Foundation. policing. Unpublished dissertation )epartment of Justice, National for Doctor of Philosophy degree. nstitute of Justice. Steele, R.M. (1997). The Ethics of Michigan State University, East civic journalism: Independence Lansing, MI. as the guide. In Mixed News· The (illenberg, G.M. and Dardenne, R. ZiemboNogi, J. and Woods, D. Public/C ivic/Co m m un ita ria n 1997). Instruction in news (1996). Defining Debate. J. Black policing: Practice versus eporting as community focused (Ed.) 162·175. Mahwah, New paradigm. Police Studies: An ournalism. Journalism & Mass Jersey: Lawrence Eribaum International Journal of Police :::ommunication Education, Associates, Inc. ,2 (1), 52-58. Development. 19 (3) 33·50 Stein, M.L (1997). Public 'auly,J. J. (1999). Journalism and journalism loved and hated. Editor he sociology of public life. & Publisher, (October25), n The Idea of Public Journalism. 31. r. L Glasser, Ed.) 134·151. New (ork: Guilford Press. Trojanowicz, S. (992). Theory of s:ommunity policing. Unpublished thesis for Masters of Science degree, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI.

:nmunity Policing, No.2, Vol. I Spring 2000 The Journal. ofCommunity Policing, No.2, Vol. I Spring 2000 51 TABLE 1: SUMMARY COMPARISON OF FACTORS RELATED TO CIVIC JOURNALISM AND COMMUNITY POLICING THE INSTITUl COMMUNITY POLICING CIVIC JOURNALISM COMMUNITY POll

Difficult to define Difficult to define A FIVE-STATE ASSESSN No consensus re: definition No consensus re: definition Described as a philosophy Described as a philosophy Kelsey Gray, Ph.C Proadive focus Proadive focus

Requires partnership with citizens Requires partnership with t'ITI~r"'n. Requires long-tenn problem Requires long-tenn problem Enforcement Departments th solving solving rues:tiorlS such as, "What should \ policing efforts?" and "j Focus on empowering citizens Focus on empowering citizens for our community?" Orgar about the community and th Has been met with resistance Has been met with resistance mOIp.IYIAntnf·;n" of community po rP.CFHVFl,N an on-site assessment fr "Old Wine/New Boitle" "Old Wine/New Boitle" l nnnmlflnl'n, Oriented Public Safe ,es/anEta to assist the departmer Bel ief thattraditional journalism Beliefthattraditional policing is of community policing, replaced replaced rnn''''1"....,r...... ,..,+''''" by providing find requires a very dose examin. Requires a cultural shift - Must be Requires a cultural shift - Must values, goals, structure, di" built into the organizational culture built into the organizational with the principles of e OOfVll"Jrl'lori throughout many Allows citizens to present problems Citizens set agenda after made "",..t"",....h and proactive probl and solutions to problems aware of problem policies, culture, and Ie reinforce such activities. Uno Shift some responsibility for crime Fosters civic involvement­ the ability to collabe back onto citizens' shoulders public apathy and cynicism time, organizational co personally accountab Address the root causes of crim e Address the root causes of crime to departmental success. problems and aitack within a Personalized approach necessary broader context

Neighborhoods are central to Personalized approach ne4::es:~al'\l future ofa civil society - community building Neighborhoods are central to future of a civil society - COlnrrllln building

52 The Joumal ofCommunity Policing, No.2, Vol. I