Crime journalist
Also known as: crime and defence correspondent, forensic journalist, crime reporter, crime writer, investigative journalist, crime and critical events journalist
About this occupation
Crime journalists research and write articles about criminal events for newspapers, magazines, television and other media. They conduct interviews and attend court hearings.
A specialisation of journalist.
Essential skills and knowledge
- spelling
- apply grammar and spelling rules
- follow ethical code of conduct of journalists
- stay up to date with social media
- evaluate writings in response to feedback
- develop professional network
- copyright legislation
- build contacts to maintain news flow
- interview people
- follow the news
- criminal law
- participate in editorial meetings
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists (O*NET 27-3023.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.
- Gather information and develop perspectives about news subjects through research, interviews, observation, and experience.
- Research a story's background information to provide complete and accurate information.
- Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
- Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.
- Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Artistic, Investigative, Enterprising
Top skills: Active Listening, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Critical Thinking, Writing, Active Learning
US median pay: US$62,200 a year (2025), 39,250 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageExtremely important (4.8)
- Media StudiesO*NET: Communications and MediaExtremely important (4.7)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (3.6)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
- Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
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Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
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O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.