An effective crime report is one that outlines the details of an incident and facilitates communication among investigators, prosecutors, and judges. While a basic understanding of the who, what, when, where, and why of an incident is essential, a good crime reporter needs to be able to interview suspects and witnesses to get the full story. It’s also important to take detailed notes at the scene, since memory can be unreliable, especially in high-stress situations.
Crime reporting is appealing because it involves powerful human emotions like greed, violence, sex, and revenge. It also sometimes reflects important societal issues, such as corruption, drug abuse, homelessness, and poverty. While the demands of the job are often high, reporters must balance the public’s right to know with ethical considerations, ensuring accuracy, fairness, and sensitivity while avoiding sensationalism and prejudice.
The NYPD provides a variety of crime reports to the public, including citywide statistics and precinct-level data. You can view these reports below or access them on eJusticeNY, the department’s secure law enforcement website. Additionally, the state Department of Criminal Justice Services posts preliminary statewide crime data each month on its CRIMESTATS page. This data allows local police departments to quickly see whether crime is rising in their area and react accordingly.