The Daily News-Record is seeking a passionate public safety reporter with a keen eye to cover crime, traffic, and fire & EMS in the city of Harrisonburg and Rockingham County, Virginia. This is an in-person, full-time, investigative reporting position in Harrisonburg, Va. with occasional hybrid / remote opportunities. The work environment is a newsroom in a small city.
The public safety reporter is not only responsible for holding local officials to account on issues affecting residents but also keeping the public informed and updated about crime, traffic and other public safety concerns in the city and county. The public safety reporter will cover topics across the board as they arise; which may include gun violence, homicides, abuse and other sensitive topics. The ideal candidate will bring a person interest in public safety writing and reporting. The reporter will investigate trends in crime and will keep the public informed up-to-the-minute on key issues and may explore questions including the following:
- How do state policies in the prison system and public safety legislation affect incarcerated people in Rockingham County, including those extradited to Rockingham County Regional Jail in Harrisonburg?
- What public safety stories are not being told due to pressures from large local organizations in Harrisonburg including universities and retirement homes to promote Harrisonburg as “safer” than it actually is?
- How is the fentanyl crisis affecting families and school systems in Rockingham County and what potential legislation should residents be aware of in Rockingham County?
- How are I-81 road improvements affecting traffic for locals and are there any trends in incidences associated with these improvements?
Responsibilities:
- Visit crime scenes; conduct interviews with victims, witnesses and suspects to gain information for a story.
- Regularly cover road closures, crime, vehicle crashes and fires.
- Balance writing shorter breaking news reporting with more in-depth stories.
- Communicate frequently with Harrisonburg Police Department, Rockingham County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, VDOT and the local fire departments.
- Pitch stories on crime and public safety trends and issues.
- The public safety reporter will be expected to write at least two bylines daily for publication after onboarding and training.
- Write longer-form stories about major crime/traffic topic when needed
- Cover traffic, occasional court cases and occasional breaking news
- Use social media to update the public and search out potential stories
- Complete assigned coverage from editor
Qualifications / Skills:
- Organized and quick writing skills
- Ability to communicate quickly with local safety officials
- Good character and judgement
- Ability to keep track and take notes on emerging trends
- Must have the ability to walk long distances
- Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license
- Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
Preferred Skills / Qualifications:
- Experience in a public safety role or related field is a plus.
- Background and experience in journalism // reporting
- Experience writing content for print and web, using Associated Press style
- Experience using social media
How to Apply: Interested applicants may apply by emailing a cover letter addressed to Managing Editor Jillian Lynch and three news clips, or writing samples, to jobs@dnronline.com.
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