Jacob Geanous
Investigative & Data Journalism
An award-winning investigative journalist with over 5 years of experience, specializing in data-driven reporting across accountability and criminal justice sectors. Highly skilled in in-depth research, data analysis, and narrative storytelling, with a robust portfolio of impactful investigative projects. Recognized for my adaptability and leadership, my work has been featured in esteemed publications including The New York Post, Honolulu Civil Beat, The Boston Globe, and has contributed to multiple award-winning initiatives such as THE CITY's Missing Them project and the Documenting COVID-19 project.
Education
2021
Columbia University | Master of Science - Toni Stabile Investigative Fellow
Graduate of Columbia University's esteemed Graduate School of Journalism, where I was honored as a Toni Stabile Investigative Fellow and specialized in data-driven investigative reporting.
2018
Suffolk University | Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Focus In Print Journalism
Earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Suffolk University, with a specialized focus in print journalism.
Work Experience
2022 - Present
New York Post | Investigative Reporter
Served as an investigative reporter at The New York Post, where I specialized in data-driven investigations for the Sunday edition, focusing extensively on the criminal justice system and courts. My groundbreaking work included high-impact stories such as exposing sexual misconduct in public schools, unraveling corruption in a taxpayer-funded childcare company, and analyzing disparities in prosecution rates throughout New York City.
2021 - 2022
Honolulu Civil Beat | Criminal Justice Reporter
As a Criminal Justice Reporter at Honolulu Civil Beat, I led in-depth investigations covering the intricacies of the criminal justice ecosystem on Oahu—from the police department and courts to the prosecutor's office. My investigative work shed new light on controversial city settlements, police pursuit policies, prosecutorial misconduct, and privately-funded police operations, often leading to systemic reviews and policy changes."
2021 - 2021
The Brown Institute for Media Innovation | Reporter
As a key contributor to the Documenting COVID-19 Project at Columbia University’s Brown Institute for Media Innovation, I orchestrated national investigative pieces by leveraging public records requests and data acquisition from government agencies. I worked in collaborative partnerships with high-profile newsrooms such as THE CITY, Chicago Sun-Times, WWNO in New Orleans, and The Kansas City Star, focusing on COVID-19's multifaceted impact across the United States.
2020 - 2021
The City | Contributor
At THE CITY, I spearheaded groundbreaking investigations including an exposé on underreported COVID-19 fatalities within the New York City jail system. This pivotal piece led Mayor Bill de Blasio to demand a 'full accounting' of these uncounted deaths just 24 hours post-publication. Additionally, I collaborated on an in-depth, three-part series dissecting Hart Island, the city's enigmatic burial ground, shedding light on yet another concealed facet of New York City's public services
2018 - 2020
Metro | New York City Reporter
Crafted compelling print and digital narratives focusing on New York City for Metro, the United Kingdom's largest-circulation newspaper, effectively translating the city's pulse to an international readership.
2018
The Boston Guardian | Lead Reporter
Produced 6-8 exclusive, hyperlocal stories each week for The Boston Guardian, a publication covering five key neighborhoods in Boston. Specialized in comprehensive reporting on policing and public health, while also diversifying my portfolio with features, obituaries, and business articles.
2017 - 2018
The Boston Globe | Metro Correspondent
Operated as an agile breaking news correspondent for The Boston Globe, where I conducted in-depth reporting across New England's diverse socio-political landscape. My investigative acumen extended to an array of sectors including crime, political discourse, meteorological phenomena, and cultural milestones.
Skills & Expertise
Investigative Reporting
Accomplished in conducting deep-dive investigations, with numerous high-impact stories published across respected outlets. Specialize in unraveling complex issues in the criminal justice system and beyond.
Data Analysis & Visualization
Proficient in using data analytics tools and statistical software to scrutinize extensive datasets, creating compelling visual stories and uncovering hidden trends.
Public Records Resarch
Expert in leveraging Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and public records requests to obtain crucial documents and datasets for investigative pieces.
Court Reporting
Extensive experience covering legal proceedings, with a comprehensive understanding of court systems and legal jargon.
Source Cultivation & Interviewing
Demonstrated ability to establish trust with sources from diverse backgrounds, including reluctant witnesses and law enforcement officials, to gather exclusive information.
Team Leadership
Proven leader with experience coordinating teams of reporters on complex investigations, ensuring cohesiveness and quality in high-stakes environments.
Crisis Coverage
Skilled in reporting on sensitive topics, including pandemics and natural disasters, while maintaining ethical standards and factual accuracy.
Storytelling & Narration
Exceptional writing capabilities in different styles and formats, turning complex topics into accessible and engaging stories.
Award Recognition
Multiple-award-winning journalist with accolades including the Hawaii Society of Professional Journalists Award, the Knight Award for Public Service, and the Sunshine Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.
Technical Proficiency
Highly proficient in using a range of industry-standard tools, including content management systems (CMS), social media platforms, and various multimedia equipment.
Selected Publications.
Landlords in NYC's Red-Light District
A deep dive into New York City's red-light district, where landlords are embroiled in complex legal battles to evict brothels. My investigation unpacks the layers of law and power that protect these establishments and the questions this raises about the city's regulatory landscape.
HPD's Loose Pursuit Policy: A Story of Risk & Accountability
This award-winning piece scrutinizes the Honolulu Police Department's vehicle pursuit policies. Using a self-curated database of police reports, my exposé led to the department announcing a review of their current protocols, gaining recognition from the Hawaii Society of Professional Journalists.
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NYC Jail-Related COVID Fatalities
An investigative feature revealing uncounted coronavirus deaths in New York City jails. Published in collaboration with THE CITY's Missing Them project, this article prompted Mayor Bill de Blasio to call for a "full accounting" within 24 hours of publication.
1,000 Inmates Trapped in County Jails
Uncovering a troubling backlog in the Chicago-area county jails due to state prisons' reluctance to admit new inmates. This investigative report spotlighted the dangerous living conditions and potential human rights violations caused by overcrowding, urging local and state officials to take immediate action.
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Untested Asylum Seekers in ICE Detention Centers
A probing look into the lack of COVID-19 testing among asylum seekers in ICE detention centers, particularly during the Delta outbreak. My story highlighted the health risks posed not just to the detainees but also to the broader community, spurring calls for increased transparency and reform in detention health policies.
For Inquiries: jacobgeanous@gmail.com