As young journalists, we have the responsibility to inform the public of the most important topics that affect our everyday lives.  While we seek to bring the most valuable information, there is a code of ethics that must be followed when obtaining information.  Ultimately, we aim to seek the truth and report it, minimize harm, act independently and be accountable for our actions.

Most recently, Newschannel 5 KSDK, conducted a report on school safety in the metropolitan area.  As part of their investigation, a reporter attempted to enter the premises of different schools in the districts of Parkway, Kirkwood, and Francis Howell with a hidden camera.

Once inside, the reporter was instructed to report to the office and ask to speak with Security Personnel.  During the investigation at Kirkwood, the school could not verify that the reporter was a KSDK investigator and could not locate him in the building.  Therefore, Kirkwood High School was forced to go into a lockdown situation for an hour on Jan. 16.

I for one am absolutely disgusted and angry with the report.  While investigating a story, we must remember our ethics.  Clearly, the ethics and values were forgotten by KSDK.  When we talk about minimizing harm, this includes causing fear and/or wasting resources.

After school officials were not able to verify the identity of the reporter, a time of utter fear spread throughout the student body.  I am fortunate that we have only had Intruder Drills at Parkway Central, but I cannot imagine sitting in a dark and soundless room as police search the building.

In addition to the fear of students, I cannot fathom the enormous amount of resources wasted during yesterday’s lockdown.  After the issue was initiated, police were called to the scene.  Thankfully, there were no major problems in the city of Kirkwood, but the amount of time spent looking for a completely non-threatening individual is a complete waste of city resources.

While the report does shed light on an important issue, there is a serious flaw in how this investigation was conducted.  Not only did the KSDK report not minimize harm, but also greatly upset the minds of parents anxiously awaiting news on their child’s status during the lockdown.  Before KSDK conducts their next report, they need to sit down and reexamine their commitment to the ethics of journalism.