To the Editor,

I am writing to object to the reporting of crimes as occurring in St. Pauls, when the address is actually miles, in many cases up to 10 miles, outside of St. Pauls.

The town of St. Pauls government cannot be expected to answer to the public for crimes that do not occur here, but for which we may have to answer, when they are reported as occurring here — mistakenly — by reporters. Nor do the 99.9 percent of law-abiding citizens in the town wish to receive a black eye for crimes that do not occur in the town.

Journalists have an ethical duty, in my view, of describing events as they actually occur, when and where.

If they do not report the basic facts correctly, incorrect conclusions, implications and inferences are reached by the reading public. If it is truth that you are after, this is a concern.

If the truth is not a goal of news writers, then anyone is free to say anything, about anyone, regarding any place, which is often what you see in many grocery store tabloid magazines.

Stuart Turille

Administrator

St. Pauls

The Robesonian, like most newspapers, uses datelines with stories. The dateline is typically the nearest municipality. Mr. Turille is likely referring to crime items we get from the Sheriff’s Office, which might occur close to the town, but not inside the town — editor.