30 Minutes Until Deadline

Item: The cousin of one of the people who works in the IT department of your news organization works as a janitor at the Police Department. He calls the IT worker at work and tells her he just saw police take a young boy, an attorney and a woman who appeared to be the mother into an interrogation room. He overheard two police officers talking and gesturing toward the boy, identifying him as Jake Mahoney.

Do you use Jake’s name in the story? 
Yes, as a person of interest. When dealing with major crimes, his name can be used.

If yes, do you use the photo your photographer gave you?
No, I wouldn't use the photo yet, until it is confirmed.

If no, consider this -- the local television station in a special report on the fire confirms that Jake Mahoney has been identified as “a person of interest” in the fire.

Item: Your reporter learns the name of the source who talked with her reporter about seeing the kid throw something over the fence in the alley. The source says you can attritube the information to her, but only if you use an alias because she is an illegal alien and will be deported if police find out about her. You must promise never to reveal the name to anyone.

Do you agree to the use of an alias in your stories?
Yes. It is necessary to the story.

If yes, do you tell your readers why?
According to the Orlando Sentential Code Ethics, it is necessary to explain the situation to the reader, so yes.

If no, does that preclude you from using the information from that source?

Item: The boy confesses to setting the fire, but police do not release his name because he is a juvenile.

Do you identify him in your stories?
Because he is a minor, his name can't be used.
Item: Sally Jacobson dies of injuries sustained in the fire. The district attorney elevates the charges to murder and arrests Jake Mahoney. The murder charge means Mahoney will be charged as an adult and the trial will take place in open court.

Do you identify him now?
According to the San Antonio Express, "Don't name them unless they are accused of capital murder or a crime so heinous as to warrant their identification, or if the names have been released by authorities." So, no.


Item: In the boy’s confession, he admits he used gasoline that he had put in a 1-liter Mountain Dew bottle and dumped on the porch before lighting it. He tells police he threw it away in the alley. Police ask the public to help out in finding this key piece of evidence. They have looked and couldn’t find it in the alley. You’ve forgotten all about the bottle you tucked away in your desk several hours ago.

Now what?
It's considered a crime to take evidence from a crime scene, I would say hold on to the evidence.
Item: An editor suggests to you that the reporter be fired immediately for what she did.

Do you do that?
Probation

Item: The police show up in your newsroom with a search warrant, signed by a judge, permitting a search of the reporter’s desk and belongings for any notes or other communications, such as text messages and emails relating to the case.

Do you let them in?
Yes, you have to. The judge found probable cause to sign the warrant, so not letting them in is risking further trouble.

Item: Later, when the public finds out about a lot of this stuff, it is suggested that you resign.

Do you?
If it is in the best interest of the publication, yes.  It could lose readership if not.