Gettysburg Connection Legal and Crime Reporting Policy

At Gettysburg Connection, we take seriously our responsibility to report on legal and crime-related matters with accuracy, fairness, and compassion. We recognize that publishing information about arrests or criminal charges can have long-lasting consequences. Content on the internet is often difficult to erase, even if circumstances change or a person is cleared of wrongdoing. For that reason, we approach legal reporting with caution and care.

We only publish arrest-related stories when there is a clear and compelling public interest. These include situations that involve a serious threat to public safety or crimes that have significant community impact.

We generally avoid reporting on minor offenses or isolated incidents that do not serve the broader public good. That a charge has been brought against a public official does not usually impact our decision.

When appropriate, and especially when law enforcement requests assistance—such as in identifying suspects or seeking eyewitnesses—we may share relevant information to support public safety.

We typically do not publish the names or photos of individuals who have been arrested. We do not publish the identities of minors under any circumstances. If a person’s charges are dropped, they are acquitted, or their record is expunged, we welcome requests to update or remove our original reporting to reflect the full and fair outcome of the case. We believe in the presumption of innocence and the importance of second chances.

Our reporting is based on facts, not ideology. Decisions about whether to publish arrest information are made impartially and without regard to race, politics, class, or background. While we rely on law enforcement for initial information, we do not publish unverified police reports without additional context or independent confirmation.

Finally, we acknowledge that mistakes can occur. When they do, we are committed to correcting them promptly and transparently. We also welcome ongoing dialogue from our readers and strive to reflect community standards while upholding journalistic integrity.

If you have concerns or comments about our reporting or wish to request a correction or update, please contact us at editor@gettysburgconnection.org.