Free journalism conference on crime

Applications are being accepted for a two-day conference in New York on covering crime.

Fifteen journalists will be awarded fellowships to attend the conference, on February 2nd and 3rd, at John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

"We are seeking applications from journalists writing or broadcasting in a variety of beats (education, politics, health, crime, courts, etc.) to submit project/research ideas based on the major theme of the symposium: key criminal justice challenges facing the nation," according to organizers of the 4th Annual John Jay College /H.F. Guggenheim Conference on Crime in America.

Possible proposal topics include: crime and punishment (sentencing; prisons); science and crime (forensic issues, etc.); issues linking crime with environment, the economy, urban affairs or education trends; race and criminal justice; juvenile justice; homeland security and civil liberties; politics of crime; new crime prevention and policing strategies, etc.

Applications should focus on the intersection of reporters' assigned beats with criminal justice, and be related to work in progress or proposed work. The project should be supported by a senior editor, with a letter attesting to their commitment.

Fellows will be required to attend both days of the conference in its entirety. Fellows from outside the New York area will be an awarded an all expense-paid trip to NYC for three days. In lieu of travel expenses, New York-region journalists will be awarded a $500 stipend to be used towards their proposed news projects. Meals and local travel will be provided for all Fellows for the duration of the symposium.

Applications will consist of a 300-word biography, a 300-word project pitch and a supporting letter from editor. The deadline to apply is December 12. For more info, contact Cara Tabachnick at (212) 484-1175 or ctabachnick@jjay.cuny.edu.