Crime news can affect real people’s lives, so we take getting the facts right very seriously. This page explains the steps we follow to make sure our stories are accurate before and after they go live.
How we check our stories
Before an article is published, we go through these steps:
- Check the source. We make sure the information comes from an official or trusted source, like a police report, court record, or government press release.
- Verify key details. We double-check names, ages, charges, dates, and locations against the original documents.
- Confirm with more than one source when possible. For bigger or more serious stories, we try to confirm the facts from at least two separate sources.
- Review before publishing. Every article is read over one more time to catch errors, missing context, or anything unclear.
What counts as a reliable source
We consider these sources reliable:
- Police departments and sheriff’s offices
- Court records and public filings
- State and local government agencies
- Established news organizations with a good track record
We do not treat social media posts, anonymous tips, or online rumors as facts. If a tip comes in, we only report on it after we can confirm it through a reliable source.
Quotes and statements
When we use a quote, it comes directly from an official statement, document, or public record. We don’t change the meaning of anyone’s words, and we make it clear who said what.
Charges and legal terms
We report charges exactly as they are listed by law enforcement or the courts. We’re careful to use words like “accused,” “charged,” or “suspected” so readers understand that no one has been found guilty unless a court says so.
Developing stories
Some stories change quickly. When details are still coming in, we clearly mark the article as developing and update it as new, confirmed information becomes available.
When we get something wrong
Even with careful checking, mistakes can happen. When they do, we:
- Fix the error as quickly as possible
- Add a correction note if the change affects the meaning of the story
- Never quietly change important facts without telling readers
Help us stay accurate
Our readers play a big part in keeping our work honest. If you notice a mistake, outdated information, or something that doesn’t look right, please let us know through our Contact Us page. Include the article link and any proof or details you have, and we’ll look into it.
Related policies
For more on how we choose and handle stories, please read our Editorial Policy. For general information about the use of our content, see our Disclaimer.