Lubbock reporter learns lesson all journalists should benefit from

by Jennifer Conlee, co-associate editor

An event happened recently that made me question how far I would go in order to get a story as a journalist.

I know that I’ve participated in discussions about this very topic in my classes, but when something like this happens so close to home, you really have to take certain things into consideration.

On March 26, Cecilia Coy-Jones, an investigative reporter for KCBD-TV Channel 11 in Lubbock, took it upon herself to test the security of Amarillo hospitals, in light of the recent kidnapping of a newborn baby from a Lubbock hospital.

Jones, who is known for her segment, “Does it Work?” went on assignment for the news station. She never meant to do anything illegal.  In fact, she and the station consulted legal counsel before attempting anything.

In Amarillo, she went to two hospitals.  Wearing scrubs and carrying a large red bag, Jones paced the Northwest Texas Health System maternity ward to see how fast security would respond. 

In just minutes, hospital security confronted her and asked for her ID badge.  They then escorted her from the hospital, at which time she proceeded to St. Anthony’s Health System.  Northwest Texas had already contacted St. Anthony’s and alerted them that she was in Amarillo. 

Though she never touched a baby or entered any restricted areas, an Amarillo police officer arrested Jones on two charges of attempted aggravated kidnapping.

This event sparked several debates in the journalistic world.  Jones never actually broke any laws.

However, it’s clear that she crossed several lines.  She decided to overlook the fact that there could be consequences.  Her first mistake was going to the second hospital.

Jones learned quickly that her mistakes would land her in jail, and the charges that are pending against her are considered felonies.

Though there is a chance that the charges will hold up in court, I think that they will probably be thrown out.  After all, Jones never even came in contact with an infant.  The security measures taken against her were simply to protect the infants in the hospital.

This is something that I, as a journalist, would never attempt to do.  I know that some of the topics I attempt to pursue will involve risks, but I’d have to consider if the consequence is worth the reward.

Yes, Jones may be revered as a journalist in the next few months, but she may also have to go to prison for several years. To me, nothing is worth prison time.

I understand that West Texas hospitals are under scrutiny because of the recent kidnapping, but I don’t think that gives reporters a right to test the security of those and other hospitals.  Nurses and doctors have enough to worry about with their patients, and security guards should be looking out for real kidnappers, not reporters who are just looking for a story.

I think, from now on, Jones should stick to finding out if salad spinners and vacuum cleaners work, leaving hospital security to the experts.  Journalists should be finding and breaking the news, not making it.