Communities

Local criminal justice systems directly impact the communities and populations they serve. Delays in justice, lack of transparency, complexity and gatekeeping all make it harder for those criminal justice is meant to serve to get the information they deserve. Today, too often, victims of crime and their communities are simply kept in the dark when it comes to cases and their outcomes. Citizens should be able to find out how the criminal justice system works, and what are the outcomes.

That is the foundational purpose of American Witness.

By giving citizens unbiased, factually accurate information, they have the understanding to engage their local governments and the tools to hold the criminal justice system accountable and demand actionable changes.

Our service to the community starts with our journalism – the shoe-leather reporting that has trained reporters cover every hearing of every case. We do the reporting nobody else does, not just the ‘if it bleeds, it leads’ coverage of big moments in the case or just selected cases. We cover everything, at every stage. And, because we are designed to not be dependent on official handouts of information, we are entirely independent and non-partisan and free from interference and pressure from third-parties.

As traditional media struggles and impassioned, but unverified citizen journalists fill the void, American Witness websites fill in the whole picture of the criminal justice system, revolutionizing how crime is reported in American cities. 

Our dedication to the community extends beyond merely reporting. We also provide a direct service, having created a first-of-its-kind, push-notification system to enable citizens to remain informed on cases they want to follow. No more wondering what happened in a case, or finding out what happened months or years after. When anything happens in a case, a notification is sent out.

Education is also a keystone in our philosophy and working with emerging journalists, data scientists and public health workers, providing unique, pre-professional opportunities and training is a large part of what we do. We also look to extend opportunities for volunteers, giving a second act to those not ready to just sit on the couch in retirement.

We also firmly believe in rehabilitation and our close involvement with the criminal justice system uniquely positions us to champion returning citizens.