So What Did Margie Say About...CSI: Skin in the Game

The 9/11/13 repeat CSI: Crime Scene Investigation episode titled "Skin in the Game" had its first blog entry on 5/16/13.

One thing tonight's episode brought to light was the tenuous relationship between law enforcement and the media.  The media always wants front line access and total information but law enforcement is usually leery of allowing either.

It surprises me that the reporter was front and center at scenes, with evidence, and listening in on interviews.  There is such a thing as "ride along" but such total access is certainly not a common occurrence.

In many instances when too much information is released an investigation is compromised.  There are always certain details kept 'close to the vest' and are usually facts that only a suspect would know.  This helps to validate the confession when, and if, one is obtained.  It also allows those individuals who like to confess to be eliminated when their details are 'not on the mark'.  How can these facts be protected if they hit the front page of the paper or the early edition of the news??

The paperwork alone between the reporter who has free access and the law enforcement agency would likely be enormous.  Both sides want protection and security.  Both sides have agencies behind them that would likely worry about forthcoming lawsuits from victims or witnesses or even suspects.

I know there is a first amendment right which protects free speech but I think that the price to pay for "free" speech is a bit excessive if a guilty person goes "free".  Don't you??