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| Waco Siege |
Robert Letterman
Lesson 2 Reading Summary
Reference
Hindman, E. B. (1999). Divergence of Duty: Differences in Legal and Ethical Responsibilities. Journal of Mass Media Ethics, 213-230.
Theme
An Analysis of the assault on the Branch Davidian compound in Waco Texas and the legal and ethical questions relating to how the media conducted themselves before and during the raid.
Summary
· Hindman discusses the relationship between ethical and legal duties. Laws in a society usually come from ethical stances of that society.
· Background of Vernon Howell aka David Koresh, the leader is discussed.
· The ATF began investigating the cult in 1992. The investigation focused on Federal gun charges.
· The Waco Tribune Herald was also researching and in the process of doing a seven part story on David Koresh to expose allegations of child sexual abuse.
· The ATF makes plans to raid the compound and asks the Herald to delay the release of their story. The Herald then asks the ATF when the raid will take place, the ATF refuses to reveal plans for the raid.
· On the day of the raid a newspaper photographer inadvertently tipped off a mailman who happened to be Koresh's brother-in-law.
· Four ATF agents in the firefight and many others were wounded.
· Families of the fallen agents and ATF agents themselves file lawsuits against the various media organizations involved. The suit accused them of negligence.
· Judge Smith's opinion was that the media was negligent in their behavior and they did not act as reasonable individuals under the circumstances.
· The case was settled before it went to trial.
Application to Topic
During the course of the events in Waco, federal law enforcement sought to maintain some element of surprise regarding the raid and investigation while local media felt it their duty to report their story. The relationship between the two parties was not good and therefore played a role in how the events played out.
Application to Emergency Services
It's important for Emergency Services to establish a healthy working relationship with the media. Both sides need to understand each other's objectives and then work towards the greatest good. In this case local media was certainly unethical with their behavior. But it appears the relationship between the two parties may have been strained prior to Waco.
