They could have easily stayed informed without crossing the perimeter, they apparently got too close to comfort for the police which is expected in a situation. Sorry trying to get too close to action for an article for the daily is laughable.
If they crossed crime scene tape, then for sure they were in the wrong. But you can't get information if you don't ask questions. To do that you have to ask the agency on scene. Sometimes that includes walking up to them. If they get told to leave or escorted out, then fine. But, I'd rather hire a reporter that did that than one that didn't.
To think that this was just for 'an article for the daily' is laughable. Every news agency thrives on the idea of breaking news... getting the scoop. They get the info, it's spread to the masses on social media/website and the eyeballs flow back to the Daily. Which is exactly what they want. That increases their exposure, better chance for repeat visitors which comes in handy when you're trying to sell ad space. Yes, there will likely be an article in the Daily, but there is much more to it than that.