How to Cover a Police Beat for a Newspaper

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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The police beat has all the news that makes for great journalism. Crime commands the headlines of most newspapers and remains high on almost every reader's list of preferred topics. Journalists regard covering the police beat as the true test for those aspiring to journalism greatness. Use the tips below as guidelines in covering the police beat for a newspaper.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Step1

Ask your boss for two weeks of training at the police beat before you submit any final newspaper stories. Use this time to get acquainted with the separate agencies within the police beat and the people you need to talk to for information.

Step2

Learn the difference between the civil and criminal laws in the state. Know also the difference between state and federal crime laws.

Step3

Study some common terms police and other criminal justice officials use. Find these in standard journalism and criminal law texts.

Step4

Request that the police brief you on their training methods for recruits and experienced officers. Ask if you can attend training sessions. Request the police to demonstrate how they use restraint equipment and standard weapons.

Step5

Get the department's most recent Standard Operating Procedure. Study the document to learn the rules and regulations governing police procedures, such as conducting formal searches, collecting evidence and interrogating suspects.

Step6

Find out if you can ride along with police officers on their beat. This allows you to observe them in action and learn their standard procedures better and faster than just reading manuals.

Step7

Reach out to community groups that deal with the police department on an everyday basis. Some towns have citizens review committees, citizen training schools and police advocacy groups. Get to know the influential members of these groups so you can cover the police beat from all possible angles.