Ross Jones is an investigative reporter whose work has exposed corruption and waste at all levels of government, sent public officials to prison and into hiding and changed Michigan law.
His years-long investigation of misconduct within the Detroit Police Department revealed how dozens of officers kept their badges after committing violence against women and children. The reporting exposed gaps in oversight, forced the department to label 128 current officers as “high risk” and revealed how second and third chances cost taxpayers and public safety.
His reporting on the state’s failure to oversee psychiatric hospitals led to systemic changes and triggered new law, revealing how nearly 150 sudden or suspicious deaths of psychiatric patients went ignored by state watchdogs for years. The reports uncovered evidence of premature discharges and substandard care by licensed hospitals, led to probes into 71 deaths and ultimately changed how hospitals are regulated by the state.
Ross’s investigation of Detroit’s 911 system revealed systemic failures that prompted the removal of the department’s director, the discipline of more than 30 employees and new policies credited with driving down response times.
His investigations have led to the imprisonment of a handful of elected officials and triggered multiple FBI investigations. His reports revealing misconduct by the longtime president of the Detroit City Council led to his resignation and ultimate conviction over the sexual abuse of a minor. His investigations into corruption and waste inside Wayne County government spurred a series of indictments and firings that helped reshape county government.
Ross is the recipient of multiple national journalism awards, having been honored twice by the jury of the duPont-Columbia Award—the broadcasting equivalent to the Pulitizer Prize— as well as the Sigma Delta Chi Award for public service. He is the recipient of three regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and countless local journalism honors. He is a graduate of Michigan State University, where he earned a degree in journalism.
Many of Ross's investigations begin with a tip. Contact him at ross.jones@wxyz.com or call him directly at (248) 827-9466.
