In this assignment, you will be provided a scenario and from that scenario, you will write a newspaper media release, write a speech to be given as a verbal statement in a televised press conference, and research policy items relating to the release of public information.

Instructions
Read the following scenario and complete the requirements below.

Recall the case scenario that you read on the Week 3 Weekly Overview. The detectives from Small Town Police Department (in Florida) found the body of a small, female child. The media speculated the child may be Hailey Spruce, a child who was abducted six months ago, and the daughter of a prominent city official. There was a tremendous amount of evidence found at the scene, although the body was significantly decayed.

If this is indeed Hailey Spruce, the Police identified, 12 year-old Mohammad Okbar as a possible suspect. He is a Muslim youth who was seen speaking to Hailey at school on the morning of her disappearance. He lives six blocks from the crime scene. He and his family moved from Iran 3 years prior and have applied for citizenship to the United States; however their citizenship has not yet been approved. Information pertaining to this suspect has yet to officially be released to the news and would be an important lead for any reporter.

You have just received a call from the lead Detective on the case and it has been confirmed that the victim has been positively identified as five year – old Hailey Spruce. The Medical Examiner’s report showed signs of sexual trauma and listed the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head. Furthermore, she has several abrasions and bruising on her hands, forearms and knees. Trace evidence was recovered from under her fingernails, and fluid samples, which have been sent to the crime lab for testing. Detectives have just brought in their prime suspect and are currently questioning him about the case, once again. The suspect denies any involvement with Hailey’s death and states that she was a friend to him. He further relates that when he spoke to her that morning, she had been crying. When he asked her what was wrong she said that her father (the Mayor) was mad at her about something and showed him bruises on her upper arm that she said were from him grabbing her that morning. He said when he asked her why her father was mad, she said “he told me not to tell, it’s a secret.” He said he didn’t press any further and went to class, but that had not been the first time he had seen her with bruises on her arms.

Requirements

Use the scenario above to complete the following requirements:

Write a Newspaper Media Release.
Write a speech to be given as a verbal statement in a televised press conference.
Research one or two local agencies and devise two to three policy items relating to the release of public information.
As you complete this assignment, consider the following:

What information can and cannot be released by law? Both the victim and suspect are minors and there were signs of sexual force upon the victim.
Is the victim’s previous medical information and current medical findings available to the public and possible child abuse reports to the authorities regarding previous investigations of possible physical/sexual abuse of Hailey?
An interview with the initial prime suspect lead you to further information in reference to possible physical and/or sexual abuse by her father (the Mayor), whom is a high profile member of society.
Also, consider the original suspect is Muslim, how do you approach the family and community, while remaining culturally aware to ensure cooperation throughout the case?
You are not required to perform additional research to complete this assignment.