From Local Exposé to National Change: Meg O’Connor’s Fight for Justice

My name is Joshua Bevill.  I'm serving a 30-year federal prison sentence for a low-level, nonviolent offense.  I've been in prison for nearly 15 years.  During my time on the frontlines I've witnessed up close and personal the human toll of injustice, which comes in many forms.

Among many other related pursuits, I routinely write about remarkable people who help rectify injustice, as well as help shine a light on the dark corners of the American justice system.

That brings me to Meg O'Connor.

O'Connor is not your average reporter. Driven by a passion to create positive change, she wields her pen as a weapon against injustice in the criminal legal system. Currently a senior reporter and newsletter editor at The Appeal, O’Connor's relentless pursuit of truth has a proven track record of shaking up the status quo.

Exposing Police Abuse with Fearless Reporting

Before arriving at The Appeal, O’Connor cut her proverbial teeth at the Phoenix New Times and Miami New Times, exposing misconduct in local law enforcement. Her fearless investigations weren't just locally impactful; they resonated nationally, leading to the eventual dismissal of five police officers and one corrupt prosecutor. 

But O’Connor didn't stop there. Her tenacious reporting has forced major police departments to reform their internal policies. And not just once but twice! This dedication to holding powerful institutions accountable has earned O’Connor a well-deserved reputation as a fearless investigative journalist.

One specific example of Meg's tenacity was her reporting on the NYPD's Special Victims Division (SVD). In 2018, she documented disturbing instances where detectives pressured rape victims into signing forms that essentially closed their cases. This bombshell exposé forced the division chief to modify the form, preventing its misuse in the future.

O’Connor’s dogged reporting led her to uncover even deeper issues. Data obtained in 2019 revealed a startlingly high number of closed rape cases – nearly a quarter of all reported that year – with the NYPD citing lack of cooperation from victims as the reason. This exposé cast a spotlight on potential failures within the SVD, leading to further investigation.

Uncovering a Pattern of Neglect

In December 2022, Meg's relentless focus on the SVD paid off once again. Her investigative piece revealed how structural problems within the division had significantly worsened. The report documented harrowing cases where assaults and even child deaths occurred due to inadequate investigations. 

The impact was undeniable. Within two months, the SVD commander was transferred. Shortly afterward, the NYPD commissioner announced new policies aimed at reducing detective turnover and promoting from within – both issues highlighted in O’Connor's reporting. 

Finally, in June 2023, the Department of Justice itself launched an investigation into the SVD, citing "concerning information" related to long-standing investigative practices.

For her relentless work on the NYPD's SVD, O’Connor was awarded the prestigious Investigative Journalism Award from the Institute for Nonprofit News. Her reporting also garnered national media attention on shows like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and The Brian Lehrer Show.

Restoring Fairness in the Legal System

Looking at O’Connor's broader portfolio, a theme of unwavering commitment to justice emerges. From her investigation of discriminatory marijuana enforcement in Miami to her exposé of sexual assaults on cruise ships, O’Connor's work consistently shines a light on the dark corners of the legal system. This makes her more than just a reporter; she's a force for change. O’Connor’s unwavering pursuit of truth empowers victims, compels reform, and ensures that the scales of justice tip toward fairness.