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?