I've worked at newspapers in six cities now, and I can say this about the Dallas Police Department: Its media alerts are by far the most candid I've ever read. Today's is a great example:

Today at 1:55 pm officers responded to a suspicious person call at 8401 Skillman. There were reports of a man in the complex with a hatchet. When officers arrived, they interrupted what they feel was a burglary of an apartment. They detained the suspect (not sure if this was the guy with the hatchet) and called the apartment owner to have him come back home to confirm a burglary. While waiting for the homeowner to return, the suspect fled the area while handcuffed. Officers requested K-9 but the dog was unable to locate the suspect. He is still at large. Officers know who he is and an escape warrant will be issued for him.

• Crime