Arrest Reporting Can Stigmatize Addiction, Mental Illness: Letter

Letter to the editor written and submitted by Zada Clarke.

To the Editor:

I would like to offer some perspective on the media’s approach to sharing the details of DUI arrests and other encounters with law enforcement that may be the result of underlying mental illness. It has long been the practice of many media outlets to publish police blotters, including descriptions of the arrests of individuals under the influence of substances or people who are combative during their arrests. These names and incidents are a matter of public record, and surely the intention was and is to report news of interest to the community and curb dangerous behavior. Unfortunately, the reporting of these incidents could lead to further stigmatize addiction and mental illness. The public shaming may prevent these individuals from reaching out for help and having the support of their family and community when they do.

This is not to say the behavior was acceptable—they have obviously done something to warrant an arrest and booking, and even the arrested individuals’ families would support legal consequences for driving while impaired and public intoxication. However, over-reporting the details of the arrest (e.g., “had to be restrained,” “passed out on a neighbor’s lawn,” “urinated in public”) can shame the families who do not deserve the humiliation that comes with such publicity. For the individuals themselves, having photos posted all over social media of their lowest moments (sometimes accompanied by the reporter’s judgment or name calling such as “this mope” or “caught…again”) can make it hard for the individual to right themselves after they’ve done their time.

Addiction is a disease and needs to be treated as such. I hope you will consider taking a more thoughtful, compassionate approach to these stories as they arise. For example, instead of shaming the individual or judging them for their wrongs, consider a simpler reporting of the facts followed by a list of resources for people who are coping with mental illness or addiction. Instead of spending time over-reporting details that humiliate the individual and cripple their will to seek help, consider reporting stories of people who have sought counseling and improved their lives. If we truly want to curb dangerous behavior, we have to report news that shows people how to get help, not shame those who need it.

Zada Clarke
Chair, Pillars Board of Directors
pillarscommunity.org