What is the most logical next event?

How to cover a police beat for a newspaper
Purchase a' handheld' police scanner radio.
Depending on what signal type (digital vs. analog) the police broadcast in in your area, this will cost between $75 and $500 or more in pounds. The scanner is the wellspring of breaking news on this beat.
Keep it with you as often as possible. Gather important information office phone numbers from all law enforcement and emergency service offices in the vicinity.