Crime Reporting Part I

The "Covering Crime and Justice" chapters open with an enticing lead about the glamor of covering crime - the sex, comedy, and tragedy of it all. It goes on to emphasize the importance of caution and tact when reporting on crime. For example, in a small town, it is absolutely crucial that a reporter maintains a good repoir with a source because he or she may need to use that source a number of times, sometimes in one day. In covering the beat, Chapter 1 explains some key terms to be familiar with. A civil case is a dispute between two parties, but a criminal case is a lawsuit that is brought against an individual or group of individuals by the government. In order to understand more terms in a more in-depth manner, it is important for reporters to meet important law enforcement figures in the region, tour facilities and shadow a police officer to gain a better sense. Miranda rights are the statements that are recited to a suspect at the time of arrest (including the right to remain silent, etc.). Bear in mind that the media is not given access after the time of the arrest in most cases - cameras do not enter the courtroom. I am not sure how I feel about this issue, because I tend to switch my opinion each time the topic is brought up. On the one hand, people have a right to know and it is the duty of a journalist to bring forward information, but on the other hand, legal processes can easily be tainted by media coverage.
The next section of the chapter raises important yet rarely-examined topics about the crime reporter as an individual. 2/3 of crime reporters are satisfied with their job, which is a high figure in this day and age. Perhaps more shocking is the figure that 96% of reporters have felt threatened on the job. This shows that it is important to avoid stress by wearing proper labels as journalists, and alerting officials at the onset of a threat. The next point made in the chapter is about the specific manner in which crime is reported. Our generation's editors and news directors should keep a more objective eye in terms of "little" versus "big" murders, crimes based on class, and socioeconomic or race-based judgments. On a related issue which I find to be of paramount importance, BE SENSITIVE. Don't knock on doors where journalists are not welcome, respect privacy, especially of sexual assault victims. When necessary sources are not receptive, seek other sources, use email in order not to harass, be persistent, and leave your information for them to contact you should they choose to do so. There are 12 questions to ask:

• Suspect and victim bios
• How the two came together
• Careful description of scene or venue
• Unusual circumstances
• Witness details
• Motives and motivations
• Financial aspects
• Credit or blame
• Moral considerations
• Context
• Projected effect
• Long-term implications

The final point made in the chapter deals with how a journalists should cope when facing arrest. The advice given is to carry credentials, take special notes on the situation, understand the rules of your state, and be respectful.