September 2, 2007

Police Violate Privacy

Police Violate Privacy

Police sources say, the woman "has a history of mental illness," and she
"suffered from mental illness." (MURRAY WEISS, KEVIN FASICK and ERIC LENKOWITZ,
"SUICIDE GAL WAS WEALTHY," New York Post, September 1, 2007, page 6)
Aside from lacking causal connection to the event, how did the police learn
of her history? Do police make psychiatric diagnoses? If a physician revealed
the medical records it was a violation of the right to privacy.
The report slurs all persons with a "history of mental illness." Do all
such persons commit suicide? Why do journalists print whatever police say? Do
police ever lie? Are they expert on all things quoted?
Does "a history of mental illness" explain why the woman jumped? Maybe she
was pushed and psychiatry is used to dissuade further investigation?
This report shows superficial observation, prejudice and simple-minded lack
of skepticism by the reporters.

Roy Bercaw, Editor, ENOUGH ROOM

SUICIDE GAL WAS WEALTHY
By MURRAY WEISS, KEVIN FASICK and ERIC LENKOWITZ
New York Post

September 1, 2007 -- The woman who leaped to her death from the posh
Ritz-Carlton Battery Park Hotel owns property across North America and has a
history of psychiatric problems, police sources said yesterday.

Cynthia Gray, 35, jumped from the 14th floor of 10 West St. at about 8 p.m.
Thursday, stunning the after-work crowd gathered at Rise, the lounge she went
through before scaling a wall to get out to the ledge.

Several people called 911, but she jumped before cops arrived.

Police sources said Gray suffered from mental illness but gave no further
details.

[...]
Additional reporting by Melissa Jane Kronfeld

murray.weiss@nypost.com

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