Crime Reporter

OFO No:

What is a Crime Reporter?

Are you tenacious, determined and passionate about writing and would enjoy covering stories emanating from the crime world? Then consider following a career as a Crime Reporter.

A Crime Reporter will need to analyse crime trends and statistics in order to comment on and analyse relevant issues and write about breaking crime stories.

They will need to be self-motivated and generate stories through a wide range of contacts:  for example through the police, social workers, crime and forensic investigators, informants.

As a Crime Reporter you will need to work shifts, have a good news sense and be a qualified journalist.

What does a Crime Reporter do?

• is always alert to breaking crime through informants and other networking systems
• is constantly keeping up to date with crime statistics and crime information
• keeps up to date with new technology relating to forensics and police procedures
• attends police press releases
• visits crime scenes to take photographs and get their own point of view
• interviews relevant parties: friends, neighbours, work colleagues, etc of suspect and victim
• researches background of crime and similar crimes for comparison
• checks facts
• writes interesting articles or posts for newspapers, magazines or blogs
• keeps their own blog (maybe)
• reports objectively

Are you … ?

• passionate about writing?
• interested in crime?
• inquisitive?
• interested in facts, stats and figures?
• knowledgeable about police procedures?
• detail orientated?
• observant?
• confident?

How do I become a Crime Reporter?

You have to have a degree in Journalism.  See under Journalist on our website for more details.

An interest in crime, forensics, ballistics and the law would obviously be extremely beneficial. 

TRAINING:

• CLICK HERE to check for a training institution near you to see what they offer.
• Make sure you understand their entry requirements for each course.
• To avoid scams, make sure your institution is registered with the Department of Higher Education. 
• CLICK HERE to check accredited Private Higher Education Institutions. 

OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Author/Writer … or … Copywriter 

Is becoming a Crime Reporter the right career choice for me?