Cleveland Reporter Shares Crime Reporting Insights

Olivia Mitchell of cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer speaks to local media academy students.

Feb. 3, 2026 at 10:39pm

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Olivia Mitchell, a crime reporter for cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, recently spoke to students at the Cleveland Media Academy about her experiences covering crime in the city. Mitchell discussed the challenges of the job, including the need to maintain emotional distance and use common sense for personal safety. She also shared tips for effective interviewing and the importance of collaborating with a team.

Why it matters

Mitchell's insights provide a valuable perspective on the realities of crime reporting, an important but often difficult beat. Her advice can help aspiring journalists navigate the complexities of covering sensitive topics while prioritizing their own well-being.

The details

Mitchell, who previously worked in Chicago and Springfield, Illinois, said she never expected to become a crime reporter. However, she took on the role to have an impact and give a voice to the voiceless. As a crime reporter, she covers homicides daily and must learn to sympathize with those involved without letting it affect her emotionally. Mitchell emphasized the importance of using common sense, such as leaving tense situations and maintaining distance from aggressors, to stay safe on the job. She also recommended not letting silence bother you during interviews, as it can prompt sources to open up, and involving others on your team to facilitate the reporting process.

  • Mitchell spoke to students at the Cleveland Media Academy recently.

The players

Olivia Mitchell

A reporter originally from Chicago who now works at cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer, covering the crime beat.

Cleveland Media Academy

A local organization that provides training and education for aspiring journalists in the Cleveland area.

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What they’re saying

“Her number one skill is that she can get anyone to talk to her.”

— Olivia Mitchell, Reporter (cleveland.com)

“The only things she can do to keep safe is use her common sense and to be nice.”

— Olivia Mitchell, Reporter (cleveland.com)

The takeaway

Mitchell's insights highlight the challenges and importance of crime reporting, as well as the need for aspiring journalists to develop a range of skills, from emotional resilience to effective interviewing techniques, in order to succeed in this demanding field.