The article emphasizes the crucial role of investigative journalism in exposing the hidden workings of New York’s criminal justice system, which often obscures the experiences of those involved and protects powerful figures from accountability. Since joining New York Focus in 2022, the author highlights how their reporting has scrutinized state prisons, jails, police, and courts, leading to tangible impacts such as influencing lawsuits, legislation, and policy changes.

Given the decline in local news outlets, this type of in-depth coverage is increasingly rare and vital. As a small nonprofit, New York Focus depends on reader support to continue and expand its investigative work aimed at fostering a more just and transparent criminal justice system in New York. The article concludes with a call for donations to sustain these efforts.