PINJ exists to provide coverage that focuses on enterprising and unique criminal and social justice stories in Western Pennsylvania. We fill gaps created by shrinking news staff at area media outlets by working to collaborate with new writers committed to civic-engagement initiatives. PINJ has investigated and reported stories that have been recognized both nationally and regionally, including the uncounted deaths and lack of accountability of prisoners who died following their incarceration in the Allegheny County Jail.  In 2023, PINJ and Penn Live were funded by the Pulitzer Center to create a database which will track jail deaths in all 67 counties in Pennsylvania.