Ethics and the Press
I have followed with interest the stories in your paper about the alleged brutality by jail deputies in the San Diego County jail system. I’ve waited, like you, for the San Diego County Grand Jury to complete its investigation and file its report.
The Times’ version of this report (“Grand Jury Rips Sheriff for S.D. Beatings,” March 22) was not quite complete, though I can understand why. I’m referring to Page 2 of that report, and I quote: “Although the media provided helpful information, the Grand Jury did review some complaints reported by the media in which the alleged victims themselves denied those events ever occurred. In some cases victims challenged the accuracy of the media report of the incident in which they were involved as either incorrect statements or gross exaggerations.”
Also, in contrast to what The Times reported by innuendo, there is not one word in the Grand Jury’s 20-page report recommending a citizens’ review board or its equivalent. They did say the Internal Affairs Section of the Sheriff’s Department was understaffed and overworked. They recommended that the staff be increased.
The citizens of this county are right in their demand for high standards and a code of ethics from our police and deputy sheriffs.
Many of those same citizens took up arms to be sure we would have a free press, and it is only right to expect a code of ethics from the press.
GARRY TALBOT
Oceanside
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