Editorial Policy

These standards apply to everything published on StopCop.City. They exist so readers can trust what they read here and hold us accountable when we fall short.

Accuracy and sourcing

We rely on primary documents, official data and named sources wherever possible: Department of Defense and service releases, congressional budget justification books, Government Accountability Office and Congressional Research Service reports, Bureau of Labor Statistics data, court filings and on-the-record interviews. Figures such as pay rates, budget numbers and program costs are taken from the original publication and linked in the article.

When information is unconfirmed, disputed or comes from a single source, we say so plainly. We do not present rumor or speculation as fact.

Anonymous sources

We use anonymous sources only when the information is important, cannot be obtained on the record, and the source has direct knowledge. We explain to readers why the source was not named, and an editor must know the source’s identity.

Independence and conflicts of interest

Our coverage is not paid for, reviewed or approved by defense contractors, government agencies, police departments, unions, political parties or advocacy groups. Writers must disclose any financial or personal ties to the subjects they cover, and may be reassigned if a conflict exists.

Separating news, analysis and opinion

• News reports what happened, with sources.
• Analysis explains why it matters and what may happen next, based on evidence.
• Opinion, when published, is clearly labeled and reflects the author’s view only.

Advertising and sponsored content

Advertising is kept separate from editorial decisions. Any sponsored content will be clearly labeled as such and is never presented as independent reporting. Our advertisers have no say in what we cover.

Images and graphics

We use official public-domain imagery from the US military and government, licensed stock photography and original graphics. Photos are not altered in ways that change their meaning. See Sources & Images.

Updates and corrections

Developing stories may be updated as information becomes available. Errors are corrected promptly and transparently under our Corrections Policy.

Sensitive subjects

We do not publish information that could endanger military operations, troops in the field or law enforcement officers, such as precise unit locations or operational details that are not already public. We take particular care when reporting on victims, minors and people who have not been charged with a crime.