Eric Jones
About Eric Jones
Eric Jones is the News Security Manager at The New York Times, where he oversees the safety of journalists in the field. He has extensive experience in security and investigation, having worked for various federal agencies, including the United States Marine Corps and the ATF.
Current Role at The New York Times
Eric Jones serves as the News Security Manager at The New York Times, a position he has held since 2021. In this role, he manages a team responsible for monitoring journalists remotely to ensure their safety while reporting in the field. He also coordinates an in-house hostile environment training program designed specifically for journalists, enhancing their preparedness for challenging situations. Additionally, he supports the newsroom-operations team in managing and distributing relevant personal protective equipment (PPE) to ensure the safety of staff.
Previous Experience in Law Enforcement
Before joining The New York Times, Eric Jones accumulated extensive experience in law enforcement and security. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps from 2000 to 2005. Following this, he worked as a Security Officer for the United States Department of Defense from 2005 to 2010. He then transitioned to the Drug Enforcement Administration as an Intelligence Research Specialist from 2010 to 2013 and worked as a Criminal Investigator for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) from 2013 to 2021.
Education and Academic Background
Eric Jones pursued his education at Western Michigan University, where he studied Kinesiology and Exercise Science from 2000 to 2004. He later attended the University of Maryland Global Campus, earning a Bachelor of Science in Criminalistics and Criminal Science from 2008 to 2010. His academic background provides a foundation for his career in security and law enforcement.
Deployment and Risk Management Expertise
In his current role and previous positions, Eric Jones frequently deploys or manages contracted close protection assets during high-risk situations. His experience in various law enforcement roles has equipped him with the skills necessary to assess and mitigate risks effectively. This expertise is crucial in his responsibilities at The New York Times, where he ensures the safety of journalists operating in potentially dangerous environments.