Reporter, Criminal Justice

The Inquirer’s Justice & Injustice Team is seeking an experienced reporter to cover crime, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system in Philadelphia. This is a vital position designed to provide authoritative coverage by reporting on crime as it happens, seeking perspective on impact on communities, and tracking criminal cases as they move through the courts. This reporter will contribute to coverage of high-profile crimes and cases of public interest as they unfold, as well as exclusive enterprise reporting.

In addition to delivering breaking news and enterprise, the ideal candidate would build deep sources in key agencies including the 5,100-member police department, the nation's fourth largest; the district attorney's office, which has an iconoclastic leader and prosecutes more than 20,000 cases each year; the Defender Association, the state's largest provider of indigent defense; and city courts, one of the busiest systems in the country as well as local offices of the FBI, Homeland Security, and ATF. It also would be essential to develop relationships with victims advocacy groups and community organizations.

Responsibilities include daily coverage and steady enterprise work and being part of a team working to illuminate the drivers of gun violence in Philadelphia, and the workings of the city’s criminal justice system.

What You’ll Do

• Cover crime and courts in the city and region, writing with authority and sensitivity; explore the effects of crime on victims and the community; and report on criminal proceedings including trials.
• Work collaboratively with other reporters across the newsroom as well as producers, digital editors, and the visuals and graphics teams to optimize the reach and resonance of our coverage.
• Stay abreast of and report on trends in policing amid a national conversation on law enforcement and look for ways to put local news into a larger perspective.
• Use alternative story forms – explainers, visuals, digital storytelling, longform narratives – to help readers better understand and engage with complex issues.
• Regularly use research tools such as LexisNexis, PACER, court databases, and other resources to enhance our coverage.
• Use social media as a reporting tool and also as a means of promoting our work.
• Contribute to an inclusive and positive work environment
  
  

Who We’re Looking For

• Strong reporting and interviewing skills and a willingness to go where the news is.
• Clear, fluid writing, keen attention to detail, and the ability to explain complicated matters with clarity.
• Ability to post breaking news quickly, meet deadlines, and serve our digital-first needs.
• The ability to monitor and navigate court dockets and use PACER and other electronic court access systems, including those for civil records.
• An appreciation of the city’s rich diversity of race, economic circumstances, age, sexuality, geography, and more.
• Ability to collaborate with colleagues.
  
  

About Us.

Since 1829, The Philadelphia Inquirer has been “asking on behalf of the people” of Philadelphia and the region by providing essential journalism. Locally owned and headquartered in Center City Philadelphia, The Inquirer is a for-profit public benefit corporation under the non-profit Lenfest Institute. Its multiple brand platforms — including newspapers, Inquirer.com, e-Editions, apps, newsletters, podcasts, and live events — provide Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism to a growing audience that includes more than 170,000 subscribers and 20 million monthly impressions. As part of our mission, we are seeking candidates who share our passion for indispensable journalism and our drive to create a sustainable business model to support it.

The Inquirer is an equal opportunity employer for all regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, and any other category protected by federal, state and/or local law.