4B Crime : Crime Introduction
[See Section 3 of the Code at page 20]
Many programmes, including the news, feature or deal with criminals and/or criminal behaviour in one way or another. It is a regular feature of popular drama and can crop up in a variety of ways in virtually any factual programme.
For obvious reasons, any programmes dealing with or touching upon criminal behaviour need to be handled with care and are likely to require advice from the programme lawyer from an early stage and throughout.
Below is a summary of the regulatory rules in relation to dealing with crime in programmes. This should be read in conjunction with Chapter 5B, Contempt and Reporting Legal Proceedings ; Chapter 5F, Programmes Involving Criminal Activity ; and, Chapter 6F, Programmes Involving or Concerning Crime Checklist.