Q: What is a PC affidavit?

A: A PC (Probable Cause) affidavit is a document written by police officers detailing the reasons for a person's arrest. It includes the facts and evidence that justify the arrest.

Q: Why are news stories often about crime?

A: Crime stories are prevalent in the news because they are easy to write. The PC affidavit provides a ready-made story, which typically involves conflict—a key element of a compelling narrative.

Q: How do journalists use PC affidavits to find stories?

A: Journalists review PC affidavits to find interesting stories. These documents are accessible at courthouses and often highlight recent arrests, making it easy for journalists to identify potential news.

Q: What types of stories do journalists look for in PC affidavits?

A: Journalists look for stories involving celebrities, athletes, prominent people, or individuals in ironic positions (e.g., judges, prosecutors, politicians, religious leaders). They also seek out amusing or unusual cases.

Q: How do journalists get tipped off about interesting arrests?

A: Journalists may receive tips from courthouse staff or deputies about noteworthy arrests. This information helps them quickly find stories that will capture public interest.

Q: Can you give an example of an amusing case that made the news?

A: An example is a person named Optimus Prime who was arrested for stealing a car. The unusual name made the story amusing and notable, leading to national coverage.

Q: What can people do to avoid being in the news for a crime?

A: To avoid being in the news, it's best not to commit a crime. However, if someone does break the law, being neither famous nor involved in an amusing incident reduces the likelihood of media attention.

Q: How much work do journalists need to do to report on crime stories?A: Journalists often need to do minimal work to report on crime stories because the details are already provided in the PC affidavit. They can quickly turn these documents into news stories with little additional investigation.