Where to set up the police tape?

The police are a vital part of the justice system, they are at the forefront of protecting the community and "catching the badies", however to what degree does their silence or release of information hinder the publics right to know the facts of a crime. Where is the line drawn between freedom of information and the limited facts released by police?

Its an example that has plagued the papers in the past month or so, Kiesha Abrahams went missing from her home and the picture of the little girl with curly hair and a cheeky grin has tugged on the heart strings of nearly every person in the nation. However entangled amongst this case a series of confusing information reporting can be found, with the media calling the police out on their interviews with particular suspects, such as Keisha's father and step-father, however the police in charge chose to continue to let the media speculate without giving away any clues. Many times it could be read "police have a lead" but not information followed or claiming "everyones a suspect".

To what degree are the police keeping information from the public that is heavily invested and concerned with this missing girl? And is it fair to allow the media enough room to speculate and throw around wild accusations due to a lack of information thereby confusing the public?

However there is the other side of this argument, in the case of drug raids and such it is possible that "loose lips sink ships". To give the media so much information they could deduce when certain undercover police investigations are happening would only lead to criminals being tipped of and running or preparing themselves for fighting the police.

So where does the line get drawn at what information the public is privy to and what must be kept secret in the interest of the public? If history has taught us anything its that secrecy does build power that can corrupt and without the police having to answer to some form of power will their be issues in corruption. It is often the media who draws attention to things such as police brutality, abuse of power and freedom restricting policies so what would stop them from with holding information that may shade them in the wrong light?

This relationship is based on balances of power that could tip to one side if not monitored correctly and yet it also has no black or white answer on how to ensure that one is not favored.