CRIMINAL JUSTICE REPORTER

New England Newspapers Inc•Pittsfield, MA

17h•$22 - $31

About The Position

The Berkshire Eagle, one of the most respected community newspapers in the United States, is seeking a criminal justice reporter to join our talented team covering the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts. The Berkshire Eagle sees this beat as central to public accountability, transparency and community trust. This reporter will cover law enforcement and the courts with urgency, fairness and precision — delivering timely reporting while helping readers understand the broader context and consequences of what happens within the justice system. In Berkshire County, issues involving crime and the courts often intersect with some of the most pressing challenges facing our communities: public safety, mental health, substance use, housing instability and civil rights. Coverage on this beat plays a critical role in documenting those realities and examining how institutions respond. We believe Eagle journalism in this realm — produced by a skilled reporter — serves as both a vital public record and a catalyst for informed civic dialogue. This includes holding institutions accountable, scrutinizing policies and practices, and elevating the human impact behind cases moving through the courts. A consistent offering of accurate, timely reporting on arrests, arraignments and court proceedings, along with deeper, data-informed enterprise and investigative work, will help our audience make sense of complex legal processes and trends. Thoughtful storytelling that captures the lived experiences behind cases will be essential to the role. Coverage will include a steady output of breaking news, daily reporting and enterprise stories that illuminate patterns, explore systemic challenges and, when appropriate, examine solutions and reforms within the justice system.