Because crime reporting is always a hot topic, a spotlight appears on each story in the media regarding how much detail and publicity the crime stories should receive.
The answer to this question lies in the news reporter’s ability to construct the crime news in an appealing manner so viewers won’t find the story dull or offensive. Continue reading to learn how a crime news writer should structure the story, what should be withheld, and other advice to help you create a newsworthy story.
*If you need an editor to review your novel, check out my SERVICES page for more details.
Writing Styles For Crime Reporting
Go light on the Jargon
Tempted as you might be when reporting crime, you should stay away from any unnecessary jargon you think would fit nicely into the article.
It has become all too common for TV shows and cop movies to deliver police lingo. It sounds cool when they say it because it is in a movie. When you try to incorporate it into your news article it will sound lame. Don’t try too hard. You’re not writing a Hollywood screenplay. You are writing a quick, easy-to-read news brief that tells the reader about a recent crime.
If you absolutely must use cop slang in your crime reporting, then keep it with actual dialogue from the police themselves. If they say it as a quote, then OK. Otherwise, lose it.
Correctly Wording the Crime
This is important because it could weave into libel. You don’t want that at all. Click here for my libel post.
Although many people begin to judge anyone suspected of a crime before the trial even begins, they are ultimately innocent until proven guilty (in America). Thank God for that, otherwise, there would be total anarchy in the streets.
Nevertheless, society will judge.
It is up to you, the trustworthy crime reporter who pulls no punches and never allows a suspected person to look guilty on your watch, to maintain integrity and respect to your media firm.
And how exactly can you do this?
Easy. Just use the correct word. It might take some practice. But just use that critical thinking skill you have and you should be fine.
Always remember to keep the person involved in the crime and the situation separate at all times. It is perfectly acceptable to state that a murder was committed yesterday. Robert Doe is being held at the local precinct. However, until Robert Doe is legally convicted in a court of law, you cannot state that Robert Doe committed a murder.
And try not to state that someone was arrested for murder. It is not clear enough and there are more variables that need explaining. Instead, write that someone was arrested and charged with murder. It is a simple addition to the sentence, but it keeps it neutral.
Structure of the Story
This depends on the writer, but most crime reporting uses an inverted pyramid style. Click here to read my post about inverted pyramids.
If the crime you are writing about is necessary for breaking news then I suggest you write is as an inverted pyramid style. Having all the mandatory 5 Ws in the first few sentences will work nicely.
However, if you are reporting about a crime that is somewhat “known” already then all bets are off. Write it in a chronological manner, telling of the crimes’ dramatic moments, all those involved, and how the case is either pending or has been closed. Many times, readers enjoy these chronologically ordered crime reports because it gives them a better sense of detail and time.
And always try to end with a “kicker” (a quote from a witness or a relevant detail of the story). Remember that readers enjoy a great tale. And just because the crime reporting is about a factual situation, it doesn’t outlaw a possibility that a more “feature-type” approach can be allowed. Always ask your editor for permission and suggestions when doing it this way.
Repressing Details from Crime Reports
Identify Properly
A crime reporter needs to use complete names—all the time—especially with suspects not yet convicted.
Using middle names and suffixes is highly suggested when reporting in print. Just a slight error could result in it a retraction or a defamation lawsuit. Knowing a suffix or middle initial and NOT using it could be catastrophic for those not involved. It could label the wrong person.
Is Marking Someone a Suspect Justifiable?
Labeling a person of inquiry a suspect is not suggested. Although the term “suspect” gets thrown around all too often, it shouldn’t. A crime reporter might find that the police are investigating a “suspect” or “person of interest” in connection with a crime. That’s fine. But some reporters will take that name and run with it. That “suspect” might never get arrested for the crime at all. But an irresponsible crime reporter might announce the name anyway. Always wait for the official arrest by the police to finally label someone a “suspect.”
Careful with the Labeling
Tread carefully when reporting about a person’s race, religion, or sexual identity. Reporting on such issues could become problematic for a crime reporter. Only when those factors play into the actual crime should you use those details.
If the police cannot locate a person of interest and those factors are important to their discovery, then release those details.
Victims
Laws already in place at the state and federal levels forbid reporters from using the names of victims of a horrendous crime, such as rape or the similar. Protecting the identities of victims in those types of sensitive cases is paramount due to the backlash and potential harm they might receive.
Minors
With 18 being the age that a child is considered a legally responsible adult, any crimes committed by that person before 18 is kept secret by the courts. Juvenile courts reprimanding youths are never announced or held public as to not demonize minors.
An exception to this rule is if the crime committed is so outrageous that the minor is tried in court as an adult.
Include These in Your Crime Report
If you cover a crime scene that deals with a murder or aggravated assault, make sure you have included, and checked off, these points:
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All names directly involved
- This is a no-brainer, but it must be said.
- Know their full names, ages, addresses, and any other information that might be helpful later on.
- Get names of anyone arrested for the crime.
- Have any charges been filed?
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The Situation
- Does anyone know how the crime may have happened?
- Was there a weapon used?
- Were there any similar scenarios previous to this one?
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Location
- Get the exact address.
- But also take notes of landmarks, houses, woodlands, swamps, and any suspicious-looking places.
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Time
- Ask witnesses if they knew exactly when the crime took place.
- Don’t just ask for general time. Get specifics—down to the minute.
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Cause of death/Injuries
- If the victim was stabbed, how many stab wounds were there?
- If the victim was shot but survived, where did the bullet enter?
- And if the victim was beaten, are there any broken bones?
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Suspect
- What did the suspect look like?
- If a suspect was not witnessed at the scene, did the victim have any problems with other people?
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Quotes and comments
- Talk with the police on the scene.
- Interview friends, family, and neighbors.
More Advice for Crime Reporting
- A good crime reporter will get to know the police. The information they can provide you is invaluable. Make friends with those at the courthouses and city hall, as well. Clerks and other assistants can help your investigations in a timely manner by getting copies of any documents needed.
- Keep learning by scheduling a ride-along with cops, take courses in police procedures, ask detectives for any literature that can help.
- Speak with victims and families. Ask deep questions about the crime, about how they handle their problems after the crime. Take detailed notes about the victim’s emotions (facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, etc.) and incorporate these descriptions into the crime report.
- Always carry the proper gear: cellphone, pad, pen, audio recorder, DSLR camera, batteries, flashlight, bottled water, and protein snacks.
Be the Crime Reporter who Breaks the Case
I hope my advice helps.
Crime reporting is one of the more dangerous/risky fields a media reporter can enter. They have their work cut out for them. But, they say no other assignment compares to the rush crime reporting allows a journalist.
Just remember:
- Be prepared with your gear.
- Make networking with the police a priority.
- Structure the crime report with style.
- Be cautious when including certain information.
*If you need an editor to review your novel, check out my SERVICES page for more details.
Get edited.
~M