CRIME REPORTING COMM 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 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 Checklist The 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) Checklist The 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.