What organizations publish local crime data? State crime data? National crime data? How might the sources of this data influence the data itself? What should journalists tell their audience to consider about the sources of crime data?
Crime StatisticsVerification
Discussion Question
Which crimes are included in the crime statistics you see referenced in news stories? Are there other crimes that you think should be included but aren’t? Are there crimes included that you think shouldn’t be?
Crime StatisticsVerification
Discussion Question
Besides crime data, are there other types of data about public safety that readers/viewers should know about?
Crime StatisticsVerification
Discussion Question
Journalists often compare new crime data with data from the previous year. Why is it important to consider how new crime data compares with data from five, ten, twenty-five, or fifty years ago?
Crime StatisticsVerification
Discussion Question
Should journalists compare local crime statistics with statistics from other parts of the country or the U.S. as a whole? Why or why not?
Crime StatisticsVerification
Discussion Question
Police departments have been caught manipulating crime statistics in the past. Why do you think that might happen? Knowing that history, what kind of disclaimers should journalists include when they report on crime data?
Crime StatisticsVerification
Discussion Question
What is the difference between a number and a rate? Why is it important for journalists to consider the number of certain crimes committed in their community? The rate of certain crimes committed in their community?
Crime StatisticsVerification
Discussion Question
Increases and decreases in crime rates are often presented as percentages. Can you think of times when using percentages might be misleading?
Crime StatisticsVerification
Discussion Question
Should journalists include information about causes and solutions when reporting on crime statistics? Why or why not?
Crime StatisticsVerification
Discussion Question
How can reporters avoid stoking fear when reporting on crime statistics? Should they always avoid it?
What is the impact of publishing inaccurate information for readers/viewers? For the reporter?
Police StatementsVerification
Discussion Question
What motives might police or prosecutors have for making inaccurate claims about crime data? About a specific crime? About a shooting committed by a police officer? About a new criminal legal policy, like changes to the rules about how judges set bail?
Police StatementsVerification
Discussion Question
What tools do journalists have to verify claims made by police, prosecutors, and other criminal legal officials?
Police StatementsVerification
Discussion Question
What should journalists do if they are unable to verify claims made by police, prosecutors, and other criminal legal officials? Other sources?
Police StatementsVerification
Discussion Question
Can you think of a situation when it would be best not to publish a story if information cannot be verified? A situation when the story should be published anyway? What kind of disclaimer might be necessary if you do decide to publish?
Police StatementsVerification
Discussion Question
Why is accepting all claims made by police, prosecutors, and criminal legal officials as fact problematic for reporters?
Police StatementsVerification
Discussion Question
Can you think of other beats in which journalists have to work with official sources who have a history of inaccuracy or dishonesty? What lessons can crime reporters learn from those journalists?
Police StatementsVerification
Discussion Question
How do skepticism and cynicism differ? Why should journalists approach claims from police with skepticism? From other sources?
Are there other beats that require journalists to assess evidence and research? What can crime reporters learn from reporters assigned to those beats?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
Is it the responsibility of journalists to inform the public about crime prevention/reduction policies other than the status quo responses of policing, prosecution, and incarceration? Why or why not?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
Are there times when it is justifiable to publish claims that are not supported by evidence?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
How can journalists express skepticism about claims that aren’t backed up by evidence to readers/viewers?
Arrests and AllegationsCausal ClaimsCrime vs. HarmPolice StatementsSensationalism and AnecdotesSource PerspectivesSourcingStory SelectionVerificationPractice change