The AP (8/23, Dazio) reports that according to experts and some mental health advocates, short video clips “posted on official law enforcement social media accounts, part of a longstanding practice by police agencies to showcase their lifesaving efforts online,” should be looked at “with an eye toward whether they exploit the very victims law enforcement just saved.” For example, “the American Association of Suicidology specifically suggests that any reporting on suicide or suicide attempts not include the method or location,” and even “recommends that photos and videos from the scene also be excluded, even if the person’s identity is concealed.” Meanwhile, “Daniel Reidenberg, executive director of the Minnesota-based Suicide Awareness Voices of Education, said such social media posts may actually deter viewers from calling 911, for fear they might also get handcuffed or arrested.”
Related Links:
— “Mental health online: Police posts of crises may traumatize “Stefanie Dazio, AP, August 23, 2021