Pubdate: Wed, 05 Sep 2007 Source: Morning Call (Allentown, PA) Copyright: 2007 The Morning Call Inc. Contact: http://www.mcall.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/275 Author: Jose Rosado Note: Jose Rosado is an assistant principal at East Hills Middle School in Bethlehem. Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) SADLY, 'DON'T SNITCH' RULE IS MORE THAN URBAN LEGEND Who hasn't been caught in a conversation about urban legends? If you have ever taken part in such a discussion, you may have cited sources to support your position claiming something to be either fact or an exaggeration founded on glorified hearsay. Here's an example -- the phenomenon known as "don't snitch." Many consider it an inner-city, gang-related code of honor -- a code adhered to by those in neighborhoods overwhelmed by crime, drugs and violence. Although this practice may be unwritten law in these communities, and flaunted by the hip-hop culture that is so prevalent there, it is not limited to those circles. In fact, "don't snitch" is as all-American as baseball and apple pie. Elementary school students learn about it as they re-enter their schools after a recess of playground mischief. Middle school students practice it when the school is vandalized. And high school students adhere to it after a classmate is jumped and beaten. In schools that allow this to fester, students learn that providing information regarding such acts carries the risk of being labeled "the schoolhouse rat." If not countered, such a label can stick for a long time and contribute to social isolation ... or worse. Although zero-tolerance policies are created and implemented at a whim, just that, along with outlining clear expectations and appropriate consequences -- has to be done. Protecting students against those who intimidate, threaten or otherwise torment those who cooperate with authority figures has to be a priority. Beyond our school-aged children, adults are also conscious of the risks associated with snitching in their social, recreational and employment relationships. Although the risk of social isolation can be a deterrent to snitching, a stronger deterrent is the fear of retaliation. The fear of retaliation is a real factor in areas plagued with street crime. Examples have been made of individuals and their families when one has dared to cooperate with police. Most observers at a crime scene do not want to be seen talking with the police and if questioned, will claim not to have seen anything. They fear that "snitches get stitches," if not worse. This obviously contributes to lawlessness and unsolved crimes. Police will tell you that cooperation from the community is vital to prevent crime and also to solve crimes that are committed. Police will also concede that trust between the police and the community, or the lack thereof, is a factor that contributes to the level of cooperation they receive. Police distrust has been chronicled in large cities such as New York, Detroit and Los Angeles among others. This distrust is also evident in smaller cities. Part of what contributes to this distrust is how some police practice their own version of "don't snitch" and are reluctant to talk with internal affairs ("the rat squad") or other investigative authorities regarding questionable actions among their own. Truth be told, most, if not all professions are influenced by this code. Thus, the need for anonymous tip lines, The Whistle Blower Act, confidential informants and witness protection programs. In sports, we have seen how major league baseball players, including Jason Giambi and Barry Bonds, have provided little or no information pertaining to the steroid investigation. At a Congressional hearing, Mark McGwire essentially "pleaded the Fifth" when asked about steroid use in baseball. His lack of cooperation likely cost him a first ballot induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Regarding the Michael Vick case, it's probably safe to speculate that Vick banked on "don't snitch" regarding his involvement with dog fighting, including terminating those dogs that didn't perform to his desire. Now that his boys have flipped on him, this Falcon is prepared to sing like a canary. This would support the contention that "don't snitch" is not an urban legend or an urban survival guide, rather a universal practice with a foundation in self-interest and self-preservation. As long as there is a stigma or a fear of retaliation associated with standing up for justice or doing the right thing, the decision to snitch or not to snitch will come down to looking out for number one. For now, the best tool we may have for reporting crimes and criminal activity to the police are programs like Checkmate and Crime Stoppers, which, when accompanied by access to the Language Line translation service, enables all residents to alert the police in an anonymous manner. Let's trust that this kind of program can make a difference in our community. Jose Rosado is an assistant principal at East Hills Middle School in Bethlehem. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D