DISQUS

D. Lejins · 1 year ago

While I will not defend Publisher Jay Beeler's personality or his methods of delivery, we must never forget that however much we disagree with someone's opinion, the expression of those opinions is not unlawful. In fact, it is constitutionally protected. The only thing Beeler is guilty of is "contempt of cop", and that is also not criminal.

This is not the first time the issue of repressed media has reared its ugly head. As a duly authorized and credentialed seasoned photojournalist, I have either experienced or heard of numerous accounts of an overly zealous Long Beach police force preventing the press corps from properly covering news events.


Penal Code 409 which covers closure of disaster areas and public safety situations repeatedly states “(c)Any unauthorized person who willfully and knowingly enters an area closed pursuant to subdivision (a) or (b) and who willfully remains within the area after receiving notice to evacuate or leave shall be guilty of a misdemeanor.

d) NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL PREVENT A DULY AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF ANY NEWS SERVICE, NEWSPAPER, OR RADIO OR TELEVISION STATION OR NETWORK FROM ENTERING THE AREAS CLOSED PURSUANT TO THIS SECTION."

Yet, the LBPD often cordons off a ridiculously wide swath around a “crime scene” (blocks away) so that pertinent events are hidden from media sight and refuses entry to duly authorized news representatives. This gives rise to suspicion and concerns regarding important facts that authorities may be concealing from the press and ultimately the public.

Reports of these inappropriate situations have been brought forward in several media meetings with Chief Batts. At a meeting in May 2007, Batts agreed to put forward a policy covering the media's many concerns. Yet, the issue still remains unresolved. Ironically, when the LBPD needs “press coverage” for selected public relations events, the media is greeted with open arms.

In stark contrast, the Long Beach Fire Department has always been exceptionally accommodating to news representatives at fires and other circumstances under their authority or control.

This reprehensible state of affairs begs the questions, what is the LBPD hiding from the public and how long will the press and public tolerate this flagrant abuse of their constitutional rights?

tecumseh · 1 year ago

The focus on "my" crime scene is silly. You're making too much of that. Collier is just expressing a feeling of responsbility and duty, something the reporters at this rag obviously cant relate to.

Laurie Kemp · 1 year ago

Well said, Diana!
Laurie

UK journalist not unknown in Long Beach !!!

Say Hi to Jay for me