Place Name: First Place Contestant Name: The Daily Progress Entry Title: Hawes Spencer crime and courts reporting for Daily Progress Entry Credit: Hawes Spencer Judge Comment: This is solid public safety reporting that turns into an interesting feature in each instance. There’s great background and context in each of these stories. The Boyd Tinsley story is particularly good, as the reporter takes an isolated incident and uses it as platform for a broader look at an issue within the criminal justice system. Entertaining and informative writing.
Place Name: Second Place Contestant Name: The News Leader Entry Title: Public Safety reporting in Staunton, Waynesboro and Augusta County Entry Credit: Brad Zinn Judge Comment: Brad Zinn has effectively mined his public safety beat here for both investigative and feature stories that are deeply reported, empathic and provide readers with a deeper understanding of their community.
Place Name: Third Place Contestant Name: Danville Register and Bee Entry Title: John R. Crane -- Public Safety 03 Entry Credit: John Crane Judge Comment: These are well reported public safety narratives that bring readers beyond the breaking news into the lives of both crime victims and perpetrators. They’re compelling reads.
