Crime news is an important part of the journalistic landscape. It can be dull for your readers or listeners if it simply records what happened and when, but you can add interest with background reports and features that give context to criminal incidents. These can include things like the police dog training school, a day in the life of harbour or drug squad detectives, or interviews with the new police commissioner about his attitude to crime.
Sometimes the police will ask you not to report on a specific case. This is usually because it may compromise a continuing investigation or put someone’s life in danger. You should always refer these requests to the editor of your publication.
There is a proven link between how crime is reported and public fear of crime. Reporters who make crime look worse than it actually is do society a disservice. Crime is bad enough without glamorising it or encouraging people to commit crimes themselves.
The victims of a crime are key figures in any story. It is important for journalists to gain access respectfully and sensitively, deal with them carefully, collect their version of events and report them well. They are under stress and often traumatised by what has happened to them, so it is essential that journalists do everything possible to make their experiences with the media as positive as possible. Journalists should clarify how their information will be used, protect the victim’s anonymity, and be prepared to face consequences to maintain confidentiality.