A service of Salisbury University and University of Maryland Eastern Shore
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Support Provided By: (Sponsored Content)

Journalists Say 'Protect And Serve' Became Steal And Abuse

About six years ago, drug user Benny Martinez knew his life was in danger. But he was running out of options.

He couldn't turn to the police after he burned his bridge as an informant. And he couldn't turn to his street friends — since he'd been snitching on them. So he turned to the press.

The ensuing investigation by Philadelphia Daily News reporters Barbara Laker and Wendy Ruderman uncovered allegations of corruption within the police department's narcotics squad, including falsified warrants, robbing innocent store owners and sexual assault.

Laker and Ruderman's work led to an FBI probe, and earned them a Pulitzer Prize. They share the story behind the story in a new book, Busted: A Tale of Corruption and Betrayal in the City of Brotherly Love.

Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org.

Tags
Help us continue our comprehensive coverage of the Delmarva Peninsula and the mentoring of the broadcasters and journalists of tomorrow by becoming a sustaining member of Delmarva Public Media