Don't take whatever the police department or FBI says at face value. Learn how to find other sources that can bring more depth to crime statistics issued by law enforcement agencies. Learn how to determine and explain what crime statistics really mean. Avoid employing your national news briefs columns as catchalls for isolated crime stories that, aside from their sensational details, have no context or real meaning for your readers or viewers. Remember above all else that journalism is about telling great stories.
People love to read crime stories.
The best morality fables that exist are crime stories. Learn how to pick the truly great stories that say something meaningful about crime, our times and the human condition. Then do what it takes to research and tell those stories well.