Crime news is appealing to readers and listeners because it involves powerful human emotions like greed, violence, sex and revenge. It also reflects important societal issues: corruption, drugs, homelessness and lack of education. But if the report is not handled properly it can do more harm than good, creating a false sense of fear in society. Journalists must balance the public’s right to know with ethical considerations, ensuring accuracy and fairness while avoiding sensationalism or prejudice. This training module has been designed to help journalists do that.
A key to being an effective crime reporter is having good contacts with police and other authorities. This allows you to receive information in a timely manner rather than having to chase it, which saves time and resources. It is also vital for your safety, so always be open about who you are and what you are doing when speaking to people on the wrong side of the law. Keep your contact details up to date, carry identification at all times and inform your editor of where you are going.
When reporting on crime, try to find out whether the specific case you are covering is part of a wider trend or raises questions about public safety. For example, if several cars of a particular make are being stolen, does that indicate an organised car-smuggling operation? Or, if knife crime among the young is increasing, could it be due to drug-taking? By doing this you will help readers and listeners understand the bigger picture.