WXYZ Wins Prestigious duPont-Columbia Award for Investigation into Traveling Troubled Cops

The series of reports documented how problem officers were able to find refuge in neighboring departments, frequently leaving scandal, criminal charges and lawsuits in their wake.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:23pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

WXYZ-TV has been honored with the duPont-Columbia Award, the highest honor in broadcast journalism, for its years-long investigation detailing how disgraced police officers were able to find new badges throughout Michigan. The reporting exposed how problem officers were able to move between departments, often leaving behind scandals, criminal charges, and lawsuits.

Why it matters

This investigation shed light on a concerning trend of problem officers being able to evade accountability by finding new jobs in neighboring police departments, despite laws intended to prevent this. The reporting led to new legislation being introduced and triggered criminal convictions, highlighting the importance of rigorous oversight and transparency in law enforcement.

The details

WXYZ's 'Shielded' investigation showed how departments across Michigan frequently failed to follow rules meant to prevent problem officers from finding new badges. The hires exposed by the station included officers found by their own departments to have physically abused citizens, engaged in sexual relations with suspects, used racist language, or been untruthful. In one example, the station showed how a Highland Park police officer who improperly tased and knocked unconscious a homeless man was given a chance to inflict new harm in the Warren Police Department, where he was ultimately charged and convicted.

  • WXYZ's investigation spanned several years.
  • The reports were published in 2026.
  • The duPont-Columbia Award ceremony took place on January 29, 2026.

The players

WXYZ-TV

A television station in Detroit, Michigan that conducted the award-winning investigation.

Ross Jones

The investigative reporter who led the 'Shielded' investigation.

Senators Stephanie Chang and Sarah Anthony

Michigan state senators who introduced legislation to address the issues uncovered by WXYZ's reporting.

Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police

The organization that distributed WXYZ's reports to its members, warning them to follow the laws on the books.

Highland Park Police Department

The department that concealed an officer's abuse, allowing him to join the Warren Police Department where he would go on to be criminally charged.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The legislation introduced by Senators Chang and Anthony is currently pending in the Michigan Senate, but is facing objection from some police organizations.

The takeaway

This investigation highlights the critical need for stronger oversight and accountability measures in law enforcement to prevent problem officers from evading consequences and continuing to cause harm in new departments. The reporting led to legislative action and criminal convictions, demonstrating the power of investigative journalism to drive meaningful change.