How would you BEST describe Garrett, who sent a cell phone video of a crime to the police department via social media?

How would you BEST describe Garrett, who sent a cell phone video of a crime to the police department via social media?

• A. Criminal informant
• B. Citizen journalist
• C. Social activist
• D. Private investigator

Answer: (B)

Describing Garrett as a citizen journalist is appropriate because he engaged in journalistic activity by capturing and sharing video evidence of a crime with law enforcement. This action reflects a role where an individual collects and disseminates information about events occurring in their community, which is a key characteristic of citizen journalism. Citizen journalists often use social media platforms to report on newsworthy incidents, contributing to the public’s awareness of issues, and in this case, aiding the police by providing them with relevant evidence. Other roles, such as criminal informants or private investigators, typically involve more formal relationships with law enforcement or specific training and licensure, which does not seem to apply in Garrett's situation. A social activist focuses more on advocacy for societal change, so while there may be overlap in community engagement, Garrett's primary action aligns most closely with that of a citizen journalist.

Describing Garrett as a citizen journalist is appropriate because he engaged in journalistic activity by capturing and sharing video evidence of a crime with law enforcement. This action reflects a role where an individual collects and disseminates information about events occurring in their community, which is a key characteristic of citizen journalism. Citizen journalists often use social media platforms to report on newsworthy incidents, contributing to the public’s awareness of issues, and in this case, aiding the police by providing them with relevant evidence.

Other roles, such as criminal informants or private investigators, typically involve more formal relationships with law enforcement or specific training and licensure, which does not seem to apply in Garrett's situation. A social activist focuses more on advocacy for societal change, so while there may be overlap in community engagement, Garrett's primary action aligns most closely with that of a citizen journalist.