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.