How InSight Crime Avoids Extractive Journalism

Organized crime is an important topic to cover and understand. But covering crime poorly can harm vulnerable populations. That’s why we seek to avoid ”extractive journalism,” where journalists exploit the stories of communities affected by crime without considering how their reporting could impact the people at the center of the story.

To cover crime responsibly and avoid the risks of extractive journalism, InSight Crime takes the following measures.

1. We put source safety first. Before conducting research, InSight Crime conducts an extensive risk assessment and takes measures to reduce risk for those involved. We also reach out to experts and organizations on the ground to develop our understanding of criminal dynamics before our arrival and organize special measures to keep our sources safe. We recently investigated from the Colombian Department of Tibú, where government operations to gather intelligence were putting women in the crosshairs of guerrilla groups such as the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional - ELN). We conducted interviews outside the purview of criminal groups and protected the identity of our sources.
2. We tell the stories of the victims of organized crime. While InSight Crime specializes in analyzing changing criminal dynamics, we never lose sight of the human impact of the stories we cover. This year, we launched the InSight Crime podcast, where we unpack complex criminal stories and tell the stories of those on the frontlines of organized crime. We also share the views of victims in our analysis. Our recent writing from Ecuador explored the rapid rise in express kidnappings from the perspective of a survivor who was kidnapped by people claiming to be the Lobos, one of Ecuador’s largest and most violent gangs.
3. We avoid sensationalism. We study crime and examine the policies to confront it with an analytical lens. We carefully fact-check our stories and investigations. We also independently verify the information published in the wider press. For example, during increasing panic in the United States surrounding the alleged presence of Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua, InSight Crime investigated and debunked media claims that the gang was invading.?
4. We follow up. InSight Crime’s investigations are based on extended field trips to allow journalists to understand the context of criminal activity. We contact sources and the expert groups we partner with before, during and after our reporting. We often make multiple trips to areas we cover to understand how organized crime dynamics change.?

InSight Crime’s work is costly, complex, and sometimes dangerous, but we consider it essential to help improve citizen security across the Americas. To support our work, and to join us in exposing organized crime and corruption in the Americas, consider donating. You can also support us by sharing this article with your network.