For Immediate Release
June 15, 2016

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker issued the following statement today in support of Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce, saying courts should strike a balance that protects personal information of victims and witnesses.

Also, see link to earlier press release from Jackson County Prosecutor's Office and an attached copy of Joyce's press release from Tuesday.

Baker's statement:

"I support St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce and her efforts to protect the safety and privacy of victims and witnesses. Today's criminal justice system is operating under rules created before the internet. As a result, highly personal information of victims and witnesses must be provided to criminal defendants, sometimes showing up on social media sites and exposing them to identity theft. Sharing this information risk the safety of victims and witnesses and can jeopardize prosecution. A new balance must be struck to also protect victims and witnesses' rights, not just the defendants. Victims don't deserve being made a victim again."

Here's the weblink to a press release issued earlier this month from Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker on this issue: http://www.jacksoncountyprosecutor.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=107

Press release from St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce is attached.

For more information, contact:

Michael Mansur
Director of Communication
Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office
Jean Peters Baker, Prosecutor
Work : (816) 881-3812
Mobile: (816) 674-3954
mmansur@jacksongov.org
http://jacksoncountyprosecutor.com