How law enforcement agencies are recruiting future officers in a difficult climate
Small towns and big cities alike are struggling to recruit and retain law enforcement officers amid national controversy over the police profession. Many veteran officers are retiring, leaving agencies in a bidding war for qualified candidates — as they try to hire the next generation to protect and serve.
I-TEAM: Local contractor accused of taking money and not finishing the job
Local contractor and owner of North Florida Leisure, James Couturier, owes tens of thousands of dollars to several Jacksonville homeowners who said they either paid him for screened patios that were not finished, or he didn’t start the work.
How a Jacksonville mental health program is keeping people arrested dozens of times out of jail & hospitals
It’s all about breaking the cycle and keeping people out of jail and cutting down on homelessness in Jacksonville — and saving taxpayers money at the same time. And a team of mental health and legal professionals believe they’re on the right track with a program that identifies and treats repeat offenders with severe mental illness and substance abuse problems.
Consumer Investigative Reporter
WJXT-TV is hiring a Consumer Investigative Reporter to join the I-Team. We need a problem solver who works independently and understands the power of good storytelling and reporter involvement in every story and live shot. Must excel at enterprise reporting on all content platforms and public records requests. WJXT-TV thrives on teamwork. Reporters change gears quickly because of breaking news. Reporters wear a lot of hats and help with general assignment reporting as needed. The consumer reporter is also on the solutions journalism team for Graham Media Group that investigates stories about “what is working.”
I-TEAM: State voting records show 22 people convicted of felony sex offenses voted in 2020 general election in Duval County
The News4JAX I-TEAM has found more than 20 people convicted of felony sex offenses who, according to state law, were ineligible to vote, cast ballots in the 2020 general election and were not purged from the voter rolls until nearly two years later.
Conspiracy that led to Jaren Bridegan’s murder began just over a month before targeted ambush shooting in Jax Beach: court records
The state attorney’s office filed the formal charges against the man arrested in connection with the shooting death last year of a father of four in Jacksonville Beach, Duval County court records show.
I-TEAM: Body cameras to be deployed in Baker County Detention Facility
After obtaining the latest inspection report and a letter addressed to President Joe Biden, the News4JAX I-TEAM has learned some major changes are in the works for the Baker County Detention Center, where there have been complaints of inhumane conditions and the mistreatment of immigrants.
I-TEAM: Baker County Sheriff’s Office found hospital staff reported crimes late, altered evidence
In a harsh email sent this past May, the Baker County Sheriff’s Office found the staff at the Northeast Florida State Hospital, or NEFSH, reported crimes late and destroyed or altered evidence in criminal investigations.
Aiden Fucci’s mental health likely to be a focus during sentencing hearing, attorney says
In a St. Johns County courtroom on Monday, when Aiden Fucci pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of his 13-year-old schoolmate Tristyn Bailey, the 16-year-old disclosed the medications he is currently taking.
Guns, Drugs & Gangs: An inside look at how Jacksonville police address violent crime
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters believes high-tech, targeted crime fighting will help decrease violence as the city struggles with a high number of shootings and homicides. In January, JSO allowed the I-TEAM to spend several days and nights with special units attached to the project.
Family adamant others involved in ‘mass conspiracy’ to murder Jared Bridegan in Jacksonville Beach
The widow and brother of a father of four killed last year in what police believe was a targeted ambush shooting in Jacksonville Beach opened up Thursday to the News4JAX I-TEAM about the arrest in the case and the questions still left in the investigation.
Man charged in ambush murder of Jared Bridegan to be arraigned exactly 1 year after shooting
The 61-year-old man arrested in connection with the targeted ambush shooting of a father of four in Jacksonville Beach last year will be arraigned on the charges Feb. 16 -- a year to the day that Jared Bridegan was gunned down with his toddler daughter in the back seat of his SUV.
Suspect arrested in ambush murder of Jared Bridegan in Jacksonville Beach ‘did not act alone,’ state attorney says
Nearly a year after a father of four was gunned down in what police believe was a targeted ambush shooting in Jacksonville Beach, police and the state attorney’s office announced an arrest in the case Wednesday.
Activists call for Baker County jail to be shut down over alleged mistreatment of immigrant detainees
Civil rights activists, attorneys and supporters of detainees gathered Friday on the footsteps of the federal courthouse in Jacksonville, calling for the Baker County Detention Center to be shut down over the alleged mistreatment of immigrants detained at the jail.
Right before JSO killed a robbery suspect, an officer turned off his bodycam because of a ‘bright blinking light.’ Does that violate policy?
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office’s pledge to be transparent under Sheriff T.K. Waters is being challenged by a mother who still wants answers following her son’s death.
Video: Man crashes during high-speed chase after stealing pizza delivery driver’s car, police say
The News4JAX I-TEAM uncovered new information Thursday about a man accused of carjacking a pizza delivery driver and leading police on a high-speed chase that ended in a crash with a police cruiser last week.
I-TEAM: Jacksonville records 900 catalytic converter thefts in 11 months as thieves steal auto parts at alarming speed
The News4JAX I-TEAM has learned Jacksonville police alone worked 900 cases of catalytic converter theft in the first 11 months of 2022. Many cases involve multiple vehicles at the same address, making the total number of converters stolen greater than 900.