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Police Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

MediaNews Group, Inc.

Reporter

Longmont, CO · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Cover police and fire departments, courts, and general assignment/breaking news for both web and ... a reporter at a daily newspaper or online news outlet * Mastery of AP Style * A degree in ...

MediaNews Group, Inc.

Reporter

Longmont, CO · On-site

$18 - $19/hr

Cover police and fire departments, courts, and general assignment/breaking news for both web and ... a reporter at a daily newspaper or online news outlet * Mastery of AP Style * A degree in ...

Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc.

$60 - $80/hr

Police shootings are more thoroughly investigated. A powerful prosecutor and sheriffs have been ... reporter with exceptional narrative writing skills to its public service/watchdog team. We are ...

gannett

Trending/Breaking/Video Reporter

Sarasota, FL · On-site

This reporter will need to have the fundamental skills of a reporter, including accessing public records (such as police reports and body-camera and surveillance video), building sources, conducting ...

gannett

Trending/Breaking/Video Reporter

Sarasota, FL · On-site

This reporter will need to have the fundamental skills of a reporter, including accessing public records (such as police reports and body-camera and surveillance video), building sources, conducting ...

MediaNews Group, Inc.

Reporter

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$28 - $30.92/hr

... police accountability, revive downtown and transform the 112-acre Coliseum site into an economic ... We want a reporter who is curious about how Oakland works, eager to get out into the community and ...

MediaNews Group, Inc.

Reporter

Walnut Creek, CA · On-site

$28 - $30.92/hr

... police accountability, revive downtown and transform the 112-acre Coliseum site into an economic ... We want a reporter who is curious about how Oakland works, eager to get out into the community and ...

Tribune Publishing Company

Reporter

Deerfield Beach, FL · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Summary: The South Florida Sun Sentinel is seeking an enterprising, versatile News Reporter to ... Develop enterprise follow-up reporting by looking beyond initial police reports to uncover deeper ...

Tribune Publishing

Reporter

Deerfield Beach, FL · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Summary: The South Florida Sun Sentinel is seeking an enterprising, versatile News Reporter to ... Develop enterprise follow-up reporting by looking beyond initial police reports to uncover deeper ...

Tribune Publishing

Reporter

Deerfield Beach, FL · On-site

$23.75 - $32.25/hr

Summary: The South Florida Sun Sentinel is seeking an enterprising, versatile News Reporter to ... Develop enterprise follow-up reporting by looking beyond initial police reports to uncover deeper ...

Audacy, Inc.

TWIN Traffic Reporter

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$40.43/hr

TWIN Traffic Reporter Department: News Reporting To: Director TWIN Operations Employment Type ... agency/police scanner listening, station tip callers etc.) * Post, edit & manage Traffic ...

Audacy, Inc.

TWIN Traffic Reporter

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$40.43/hr

TWIN Traffic Reporter Department: News Reporting To: Director TWIN Operations Employment Type ... agency/police scanner listening, station tip callers etc.) * Post, edit & manage Traffic ...

Audacy, Inc.

TWIN Traffic Reporter

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$40.43/hr

TWIN Traffic Reporter Department: News Reporting To: Director TWIN Operations Employment Type ... agency/police scanner listening, station tip callers etc.) * Post, edit & manage Traffic ...

Fox

Reporter, US News and Crime

Los Angeles, CA

$74K - $97K/yr

You are a seasoned reporter with extensive national newsroom experience. You have a wide range of ... Ideal candidate will have robust rolodex of criminal, legal and police contacts * Pitch stories ...

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All JobsPolice Reporter Jobs

Police Reporter information

See salary details

$11K

$48.6K

$63K

How much do police reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for police reporter in the United States is $48,562.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $49,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a police reporter do?

A police reporter is a journalist who specializes in covering crime, law enforcement, and public safety stories. They attend crime scenes, police press conferences, and court hearings to gather information for news reports. Police reporters are responsible for verifying facts, interviewing witnesses and officials, and providing timely, accurate updates to the public. Their work helps keep communities informed about local safety concerns and developments in criminal cases.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police reporter, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Reporter, you need strong investigative reporting skills, a background in journalism or communications, and the ability to accurately interpret police reports and legal documents. Familiarity with newsroom content management systems, audio recorders, and data analysis tools is often required. Excellent communication, ethical judgment, and the ability to work under tight deadlines are crucial soft skills for this role. These competencies enable reporters to deliver timely, accurate, and compelling coverage of crime and public safety issues, building trust with readers and sources.

What are some common challenges faced by police reporters, and how can they be managed?

Police reporters often encounter challenges such as accessing timely and accurate information, building trust with law enforcement sources, and handling sensitive or distressing subject matter. Developing strong relationships with public information officers and understanding public records laws can help overcome information barriers. Additionally, maintaining professionalism and emotional resilience is crucial when reporting on traumatic events. Collaboration with editors and legal teams ensures ethical and responsible coverage.

What is the difference between Police Reporter vs Crime Reporter?

AspectPolice ReporterCrime Reporter
CredentialsJournalism degree, reporting experienceJournalism degree, reporting experience
Work EnvironmentPolice stations, crime scenes, courtroomsCrime scenes, courtrooms, police press releases
Employer & IndustryNewspapers, TV stations, online mediaNewspapers, TV stations, online media
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding police activities, breaking newsInvestigating crimes, detailed crime coverage

Both Police Reporters and Crime Reporters work within the journalism industry, often covering related topics. Police Reporters focus on police activities, press releases, and breaking news, while Crime Reporters delve into detailed crime investigations and case coverage. The roles share similar credentials and work environments, making them closely related but with different focal points in crime and law enforcement reporting.

How do I become a police reporter?

To become a police reporter, typically a bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level reporting positions, developing strong writing and investigative skills, and becoming familiar with law enforcement procedures and tools like police scanners are important steps in the career path.

What skills do police reporters need?

Police reporters need strong writing and communication skills to accurately convey information from law enforcement sources. They should have good investigative abilities, attention to detail, and the ability to work under tight deadlines, often using tools like digital recorders and reporting software.
More about Police Reporter jobs

What states have the most Police Reporter jobs?

States with the most job openings for Police Reporter jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Police Reporter jobs?

For Police Reporter jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Police Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Reporter job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 92% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,562 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Reporter

Longmont, CO • On-site

MediaNews Group, Inc.
Print Media Publishing • 10K+ employees
Learn more about MediaNews Group, Inc.external

$18 - $19/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 21 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Cover police and fire departments, courts, and general assignment/breaking news for web and print editions

  • Develop and maintain a social media presence to engage the community and enhance content reach

  • Write news stories in both daily and enterprise formats, meeting deadlines

Job description

Summary:
The Longmont Times-Call is seeking a journalist to serve as a public safety reporter, covering police and fire departments, courts, and general assignment/breaking news for both web and print. Working an afternoon-to-evening shift, you'll be on the front lines of everything from scanner traffic and severe weather to late-breaking public meetings across Boulder, Larimer, and Southwest Weld counties. We're looking for a reporter with a unique journalistic voice who can cultivate a strong online and community audience. Whether that means filing 3-4 rapid-fire digital briefs on a busy night or digging into enterprise coverage when the beat is quiet.
Must live in the Boulder County area or be willing to relocate (no relocation assistance offered).
What you will do:
  • Cover police and fire departments, courts, and general assignment/breaking news for both web and print editions
  • Cultivate a loyal audience
  • Develop a social media presence to become the go-to person for public safety news
  • Write news in both daily and enterprise story formats
  • Utilize social media and search engine optimization (SEO) to enhance content reach
  • Cultivate fresh ideas for the Times-Call and its sister newspapers
  • Work well under deadline pressure
  • Contribute to a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration
  • Experiment with new digital tools and platforms

What you will bring:
  • 1-2 years of experience as a reporter at a daily newspaper or online news outlet
  • Mastery of AP Style
  • A degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent experience
  • Relevant experience in news reporting and writing, using social media, and creating enterprising content
  • A writing voice that speaks to your audience
  • Strong storytelling abilities and a unique journalistic voice
  • Proficiency in social media and search engine optimization (SEO)

Benefits and Compensation:
The hourly range is $18.00 - $19.00 + mileage reimbursement and cell phone stipend. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to geographic location, education, work experience, time in role, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, the Company offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401k, as well as paid time off and select paid holidays (all benefits are based on eligibility). Please click the following link for more detailed information: www.mymedianewsgroup.com
Who we are:
Prairie Mountain Media, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, is a publishing company with a multimedia portfolio of print, niche and digital products. We house an extensive, integrated network of 15 trusted local brands that deliver exclusive local news and attract local audiences throughout the state of Colorado. With a century-long legacy in their communities, our newspaper brands deliver over 1.26 million print and 14 million digital impressions monthly, providing proven results for advertisers of all sizes. We offer a full range of digital advertising solutions. This includes a vast network of websites, partnerships with major players like Google, MediaNews Group, and Adtaxi, social media, email, search engine marketing (SEM), search engine optimization (SEO), and targeted advertising options. Prairie Mountain Media delivers award-winning coverage and in-demand multimedia products to high-value audiences in Colorado, connecting advertisers with an ever-growing number of readers through personalized marketing services.
"4x Built In Best Places to Work Winner - 2023-2026"
EEO Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
How To Apply:
  • Please submit an online application along with your resume for this position here In addition to your resume, please include a cover letter and 4 to 5 samples showcasing your best work.

Closing Date:
  • Continuous recruitment until the position is filled

Conditions of Employment:
  • A full pre-employment background check and MVR will be conducted as part of the selection process. Must be willing to submit and pass the necessary required checks
  • Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation
  • Travel - This position entails occasional driving for work assignments, in-person training sessions and/or meetings. The employee will be responsible for transporting themselves between different sites as needed
  • Must be available for shift work. May be required to work various hours for coverage outside of normal business hours

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