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Police Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Lee Enterprises

Reporter - Breaking News

Davenport, IA · On-site

Monitoring police, fire and emergency radio traffic, alerts and other sources to identify news in ... Collaborating with editors, photographers and other reporters while working independently in the ...

Da Francesco's

Trending News Reporter

Manhattan, NY · Remote

$45K - $55K/yr

Trending News Reporter for Upstate New York Advance Media New York, which produces content ... and our police blotter. This position is at the forefront of a new approach to journalism:

Hearst

Public Safety Reporter

San Francisco, CA

... such as police technology and public corruption, and interviewing victims, witnesses and people ... Reporters at The Chronicle seek to provide must-read, best-in-class coverage through spot news ...

Hearst

Public Safety Reporter

San Francisco, CA

... such as police technology and public corruption, and interviewing victims, witnesses and people ... Reporters at The Chronicle seek to provide must-read, best-in-class coverage through spot news ...

Hearst

Public Safety Reporter

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... such as police technology and public corruption, and interviewing victims, witnesses and people ... Reporters at The Chronicle seek to provide must-read, best-in-class coverage through spot news ...

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Police Reporter information

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$11K

$48.6K

$63K

How much do police reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 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 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.

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.
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 job categories do people searching Police Reporter jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Police Reporter jobs are:
Police Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Reporter job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,562 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Reporter - Breaking News

leeenterprises

Davenport, IA

Other

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

The Quad-City Times, a division of Lee Enterprises, is seeking a fast, fearless and versatile morning reporter to lead public safety and breaking news coverage across the Quad-Cities region.
 
This journalist will be at the forefront of our daily report — starting early to identify, confirm and publish breaking news as it develops, ensuring readers in Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island, Moline and surrounding communities begin their day with timely, accurate and compelling information.
 
The ideal candidate thrives under pressure, responds quickly to developing news and can balance speed with accuracy. From overnight crime and early morning crashes to developing emergencies, this reporter will take the lead on the stories that matter most to the Quad-Cities at the start of the news cycle.
 
Responsibilities include:
 
  • Covering early morning breaking news quickly and accurately for online publication, with timely updates as situations develop.
  • Monitoring police, fire and emergency radio traffic, alerts and other sources to identify news in real time.
  • Writing clearly and fairly on public safety issues, including police, fire, courts and emergency response across Iowa and Illinois jurisdictions.
  • Using digital tools to publish and update stories in real time.
  • Posting updates and engaging readers on social media.
  • Collaborating with editors, photographers and other reporters while working independently in the field.
 
Qualifications:
 
  • Experience covering breaking news or public safety preferred.
  • Strong news judgment and ability to verify information under deadline pressure.
  • Ability to work early morning shifts and respond quickly to overnight developments.
  • Solid writing, reporting and communication skills.
  • Ability to shoot photos or video for digital publication preferred.
  • Familiarity with digital analytics tools and content management systems a plus.
 
This is a fast-paced, high-impact position that offers the opportunity to set the tone for the day’s news coverage. If you’re a journalist who runs toward the action and is driven to report the news quickly, accurately and with purpose, we want to hear from you.
 

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