Andrew Chavez outlines the basics of police reporting during this presentation from the Covering Texas Courts workshop presented by the Texas Center for Community Journalism in May 2011.

1. Covering the cop shop Andrew Chavez

2. Three key steps of crime reporting Story generation Knowing that a story exists or Reporting Getting the facts as soon as possible Properly developing a story Follow-up Staying on top of a story Finding all angles Providing a resolution to the storyline

3. Story generation The most important step

4. Where stories come from

5. Generating stories Rumors Tips Scanner Beat reporting + Good police reporting is about running traps

6. Generating stories Rumors / Tips Can generate first stories and folos (case developments, settlements, etc.) Easiest way to get stories Least reliable method Some stories will only happen this way Getting more tips Be willing to entertain tipsters Keep contact information visible in all locations (even on every page of site) Read comments on stories

7. Generating stories Scanner High payoff with little effort Anyone can listen to it (not just reporters) Not quotable, but can lead to good info Great way to get visuals Getting more from the scanner Use a handheld and take it to scenes with you Get to know the codes (many are available online)

8. Generating stories Beat reporting How do you define beat reporting?

9. Generating stories Beat reporting Building relationships with sources Staying on top of stories (75/25) Being the person who runs the traps Establishing yourself as the in-house expert Cover all angles of the beat while others sometime take low-hanging fruit The police reporter isn’t the person who writes the crime stories

10. Build relationships Have a presence Cultivate sources before you need them Throw them some fluff Keep a dialogue open Don’t let bad habits persist Develop a phonefile

11. Set multiple traps Scanner Reports Check-in calls Use your whole staff Don’t forget fire and EMS (they’re at the big stuff, too)

12. Reporting Getting the info you need

14. Available from NNA for $15

15. Handheld is ideal

16. Find the frequencies online

17. Check the iPhone/Web apps

18. Big pad is great for sketching

20. Leave with photos, videos

21. Audio, video recorder

22. Camera

23. Mobile address book

25. CYA Attribute, attribute, attribute Get the documents, recordings, videos … Verify accounts (try a timeline or sketch) Be a detective and a defense attorney Save contact info for your sources Consult the AP Stylebook

26. Get out Reach out to the accused Talk to the families Visit the crime scene Find witnesses … You owe it to them

27. Following up

28. Your sources

29. Follow through It doesn’t end at the arrest Be consistent about your treatments – headlines, page position, etc. Keep case files Run traps Keep a calendar and use others’ calendars Check on court dates, scheduled events in advance

30. Follow through

31. Some resources

32. Some resources Dart Center for Journalism & Traumahttp://dartcenter.org/ Covering Crime and Justice: A guide for journalistshttp://www.justicejournalism.org/crimeguide/ Freedom of Information Foundation of Texashttp://foift.org/

33. Q&A Time