Crime Reporter (Calvert County Focus)

Job Title: Crime & Court Reporter

Location: Southern Maryland (Calvert, St. Mary’s, or Charles County – Hybrid/Field-Based)
Type: Contract (Per Article) with Opportunity for Full-Time Hourly Position

Overview

Are you passionate about accurate, ethical storytelling and committed to keeping the public informed? The BayNet—Southern Maryland’s trusted local news outlet—is seeking a sharp, reliable Crime & Court Reporter to cover criminal justice and legal affairs in Calvert County.

This role is ideal for a motivated reporter who thrives on digging through court records, cultivating law enforcement contacts, and delivering fact-driven stories that matter to the community.

This is a contract-based position with per-article pay and a strong opportunity for the right candidate to grow into a full-time hourly role. Most of our reporters live in Calvert, St. Mary’s, or Charles County and enjoy the flexibility of remote work combined with in-person courthouse reporting.

Duties

As a Crime & Court Reporter, you’ll be responsible for:

• Collecting court documents and records from courthouses in Calvert, St. Mary’s, or Charles counties
• Writing accurate, timely articles about criminal cases, arrests, investigations, and court proceedings in Calvert County
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with local sheriff’s offices, law enforcement, and court officials
• Verifying facts and sourcing information from official documents and public safety agencies
• Pitching relevant, community-centered story ideas
• Meeting regular deadlines in a fast-paced, detail-focused environment

Experience

We’re looking for candidates with:

• Prior experience in journalism, preferably with a focus on crime or court reporting
• Familiarity with the judiciary system is required—you should understand how to access court documents, navigate legal terminology, and interpret case proceedings
• Strong writing skills and a commitment to accuracy, ethics, and clarity
• Comfort with public records requests and direct communication with law enforcement and court officials
• Ability to work independently while maintaining collaboration with the editorial team
• Knowledge of Southern Maryland’s communities and local issues (a plus)
• Residence in Calvert, St. Mary’s, or Charles County is highly preferred

Message from the Editor

Hi, I’m Katie Callander, Publisher at The BayNet. I started here as a part-time designer and quickly found a passion for storytelling and journalism. Today, I lead an incredible team of writers who are passionate about covering our region with integrity and purpose. Our newsroom is tight-knit, supportive, and mission-driven. We care deeply about the truth and the people we serve. If you're committed to justice, transparency, and high-quality reporting, we’d love to welcome you to our team.

Job Types: Full-time, Contract

Pay: $15.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Application Question(s):

• What county do you live in?
• Do you have access to reliable transportation for attending court hearings and collecting documents in person?
• How familiar are you with the structure and process of the Maryland judiciary system?

Experience:

• Journalism: 1 year (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• California, MD 20619 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• California, MD 20619: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in California, MD 20619