Local Criminal Justice Reporter

The Washington Post is seeking a versatile, energetic and experienced reporter to cover criminal justice in Washington at a time of intense scrutiny and change. 

This is a dynamic role at the heart of our Local desk, combining breaking news, enterprise reporting and beat development. The reporter who fills this role will cover crime, courts, policing and the broader criminal justice system in the nation’s capital — delivering timely reporting while also illuminating the deeper forces shaping public safety, accountability and community trust. 

We are looking for a journalist who can move seamlessly between fast-paced daily coverage and ambitious storytelling, with a sharp eye for how national issues play out locally — and how developments in Washington resonate beyond the region. The ideal candidate brings strong reporting instincts, a commitment to source-building and the ability to pivot quickly between breaking news and deeper enterprise. 

This position is based in our Washington, D.C., newsroom. 

• You are driven to capture the stories that define public safety and justice in the Washington region. 

• You thrive on the urgency of breaking news and the opportunity to pursue meaningful enterprise. 

• You are curious about how policing, courts and communities intersect. 

• You enjoy building relationships with sources and communities. 

• You are collaborative, adaptable and eager to work across a fast-moving newsroom. 

• Cover crime and the criminal justice system in D.C., delivering timely, accurate and engaging reporting. 

• Develop and maintain sources across law enforcement, the courts, community organizations and local leadership. 

• Serve as a key reporter on major breaking news stories, helping coordinate coverage and synthesize reporting from across the newsroom. 

• Track and explain trends in policing, prosecutions and public safety, making complex issues accessible to a broad audience. 

• Identify and pursue enterprise stories that examine accountability, systemic challenges and community impact. 

• Collaborate with photographers, video journalists, data reporters and editors to produce impactful, multi-format storytelling. 

• Spot emerging issues and help shape coverage priorities for the Local desk. 

• Produce work that resonates locally while contributing to national conversations about criminal justice. 

• A track record of producing strong reporting on a beat or general assignment, ideally in a local news environment. 

• Demonstrated ability to move quickly on breaking news while also developing original enterprise. 

• Strong source-building skills and a commitment to community-focused reporting. 

• Clear, engaging writing style and the ability to explain complex topics. 

• Ability to collaborate effectively in a fast-paced newsroom. 

• A commitment to accuracy, fairness and the highest standards of journalism. 

Interested candidates should upload a résumé, a cover letter and three examples of their work (as PDFs) to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by Apr. 30 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Local Editor Theresa Vargas and Deputy Local Editor April Bethea. 

The salary range for this position is $97,400 - $162,300. The actual starting salary within this range will depend on individual skills, experience and qualifications as they relate to specific job requirements.