Avoid colourful language , clich s and unnecessary adjectives be particularly scrupulous when dealing with criminals, both active and convicted. We must not make it so. While news programmes will often report crimes as events, over time we must offer our audiences understanding of the issues and trends so that they can appreciate where events are exceptional. It means helping audiences recognise the wider picture this takes expertise. Do not rely on any one statistic.
People use statistics in ways which are partisan.
There is no foolproof method of measuring the actual incidence of crime. The British Crime Survey published by the Home Office is widely recognised as a non-partisan source, but people quote from its findings selectively make use of our own specialist advice. Satisfy yourself of their credentials and recognise there may be others with equal expertise who interpret the facts differently. They may feature coverage of those staged by the police for the purpose of gathering evidence revisiting the scene of crime does not constitute reconstructing it, nor does an interview with a victim or witness, but news programmes must draw the line at portraying the events themselves. Borderline cases must be referred to senior editorial staff.