StopCop.City covers the military, veterans and law enforcement. Readers in those communities rely on us for pay dates, benefit rules and reporting on the institutions that govern their lives. These standards explain how we keep that work independent, fair and accountable. They apply to every editor, writer and contributor who publishes with us.

Independence

We decide what to cover and how to cover it. No government agency, military branch, police department, defense contractor, union, political party or advertiser reviews our stories before publication or has a say in our coverage. Our Ownership & Funding page explains who owns StopCop.City and how we make money.

Staff and contributors do not accept payment, gifts, paid travel or favors from people or organizations they cover. If a company or agency provides access to an event, a briefing or a product for review, we say so in the story.

Conflicts of interest

Writers tell their editor about any personal, financial or family connection to a story before they report it. That includes owning shares in a company they are writing about, working for an agency or contractor in the past, or having a relative involved. The editor then decides whether to reassign the story or disclose the connection to readers.

Staff do not work for political campaigns or advocacy groups connected to the subjects they cover.

Sources and anonymity

We name our sources and link to the documents behind our reporting whenever we can, including court filings, budget documents, watchdog reports and official statements. Our Sources & Images page lists the kinds of sources we rely on.

When we cite unnamed officials, it is because another news organization reported them, and we say which organization. We never invent sources, quotes or scenes. We write that someone “did not respond to a request for comment” only when we actually asked.

Fairness and the right to respond

People and organizations facing criticism in a story get a fair chance to respond before we publish. When accounts conflict, we report both and tell readers what is and isn’t confirmed. Our news reporting does not take sides. Analysis is labeled as analysis.

How we use technology, including AI

Our journalists may use software tools, including AI, to help with research, transcription and drafting. Every story is reported, edited, fact-checked and approved by a named editor who is accountable for it. Each article carries the name of the person responsible for it. We do not publish AI-generated images as real photographs, and every photo we use is credited.

Advertising and sponsored content

Advertising is kept separate from reporting. Advertisers do not choose, review or approve stories. Any sponsored or partner content is clearly labeled, so readers can tell it apart from our journalism.

Updates and corrections

When a story changes because of new information, we add a dated “Updated” note at the top explaining what changed. Factual errors are corrected under our Corrections Policy. Our Fact-Checking Policy explains how we check stories before they publish.

Questions about our standards

If you think a story falls short of these standards, email contact@stopcop.city or use our contact page.