BBCcom_Content_Index_for_July_1_2018.txt
Section_8_Crime_and_Anti-social_Behaviour.txt
8.1 Introduction The guide to rouletteBBC reports crime and anti-social behaviour as a matter of public interest. BBC content is aimed at giving audiences the facts in their context and reflects broadcasters' right to freedom of expression and audiences' right to receive information and ideas.[1] The BBC will examine the nature of criminality, its causes and consequences, and also report on the agencies which fight crime. Investigations into crime must be proportionate to the level of wrongdoing, and content makers must observe the standards of behaviour set out in the Editorial Guidelines. BBC output may involve contributions from, or contact with, people who have engaged in criminal or anti-social acts. Contributors must be challenged, and criminal or anti-social behaviour should not be glamorised, condoned or encouraged. The public interest[2] in reporting crime must be balanced with respect for the privacy and dignity of victims and their families. Internationally there are different definitions of what constitutes a crime. For example, interviewing political dissidents or activists can be important in providing a full understanding of events. Reporting of crime should not unnecessarily add to people's fear of becoming victims of crime if statistics suggest it is very unlikely.
