CRIME REPORTINGCOMM 260W - Furness

Overall• Crime has decreased in the U.S. but crime reporting is still

a large feature of news, particularly broadcast news.• In 2005, crime accounted for a full 29% of TV news but

only 17% in 2010. • However, the airtime devoted to accidents, disasters and

unusual events increased from 5% in 2005 to 13% in 2012/2013.

Importance of Sources • Witnesses• Police• Lawyers• Victims• Victims’ families and friends

Reporting on Arrests• See p. 385 for example chart on arrest process. It is vital

not to confuse different parts of this process in one’s news story (arrested versus convicted versus sentenced, etc.).

• Be careful about identifying the person arrested or identifying someone as a suspect before the person has been formally charged.

Homicide ChecklistThe Crime• Victim, identification• Time, date, place of death• Weapon used• Official cause of death• Who discovered body• Clues, any identification of slayer• Police comments; motivations for crime• Comments from neighbors, friends• Any police record for victim; any connection with criminal activity

(typically only if it is relevant)• Consequences to victim’s family, others

Homicide Checklist Cont.

The Arrest• Name, identification of person arrested• Victim’s name; time, date, place of crime• Exact charge• Circumstance of arrest• Motive• Results of tip, investigations• Officers involved in investigation, arrest• Booking• Arraignment; bail, if any• Suspect’s police record (in state where it’s permissible)

Burglary (B) & Robbery (R) ChecklistThe Crime• Victim, identification• Goods or money taken; value of goods• Date, time, location of crime• (R) Weapon used• (B) How entry was made• (R) Injuries and cause• Clues• Unusual circumstances (frequency of crime in area or to victim, etc.)

The Arrest• Name, identification of person arrested• Details of crime• Circumstances of arrest

Other features of violent crime stories• Where was the weapon obtained?• Were alcohol or drugs involved?• Did the victim and the perpetrator know each other?

Database reporting• Most info can be found in police records• Some databases are notoriously bad for accurately

documenting things like domestic violence and rape (particularly on college campuses)

• Bureau of Justice Statistics is another good source

Things for reporters to keep in mind• Be skeptical!• Check your facts!• Garish details of rapes, homicides, suicides and assaults

are considered unnecessary. • Details essential to an investigation are not used though

there is no legal prohibition against this• An arrest is just that…it does not mean someone is guilty.