Policing
Lawmakers in one state are considering regulating police use of automated license plate readers
Virginia lawmakers are debating whether to regulate law enforcement departments’ use of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR). They heard constituents’ perspectives on the technology and reviewed studies from the Virginia State Crime Commission.
What has been learned about civilian oversight of law enforcement
It’s been four years since the murder of George Floyd, and while political tensions have thrown up obstacles to the approach, the experience of some cities and counties indicates it can help heal sour relations.
Studies show a need for procedural justice in ‘hot spot’ policing
Research supports a style of high-crime policing emphasizing transparency and fairness. Will police follow the evidence?
Lawsuits Over Miranda Violations Blocked by Supreme Court Ruling
The 6-3 decision does not eliminate the the rights. But legal experts say it will make it harder to hold law enforcement accountable if they don't provide the warning, which is meant to protect people taken into custody against self-incrimination.
In a City Scarred by Violence, a New Approach to Public Safety
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka and others have committed to reforming policing and healing the trauma that has haunted New Jersey's largest city since a deadly uprising in 1967.
Why Local Action Is Important to Combat Police Brutality and Racial Injustice
COMMENTARY | George Floyd's brutal murder two years ago did not inspire bipartisan federal action. Cities have stepped up and are driving a range of reforms.
5 Ways to Reduce Gun Violence
COMMENTARY | Evidence shows that investing in community interventions, not more “tough on crime” law enforcement approaches, is key to effective and sustainable anti-violence work.
Policing-for-Profit Undermines Public Safety. This Town Shows A Better Way
COMMENTARY | Relying on tickets to fund basic government services is a high-pain, low-gain proposition that does little for public safety.
Police Look To Doorbell Cameras To Reduce Crime
Through a community network of home doorbell cameras, officials in one Illinois county hope to get faster notification of suspicious activity and improve criminal investigations.
Some Unusual State and Local Laws to Take Note of This Valentine's Day
A number of state and municipal laws deal with relationships—both good and bad ones.
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Rising Gun Deaths Push Cities to Shore Up Police and Services
Sixteen major U.S. cities saw a rise in homicides last year.
5 Unusual State Laws Across the US
There is a wide range of unlikely state laws nationwide, including ones prohibiting biting a person's arm (or leg) off to swearing at kids' sports events.
How Governments Can Minimize Harassment of Public Officials
Complex factors are at play, including polarization, misinformation and social media. But there are safety measures localities can take to protect local leaders, according to the National League of Cities.
Stricter Gun Law Support Falls to Lowest Level Since 2014
Support for banning handgun ownership peaked at 60% in 1959. Now only 19% favor a ban, which is an all-time low and down six points in the past year, according to a Gallup report.
SUV Tragedy in Wisconsin Shows How Vehicles Can Be Used as a Weapon of Mass Killing
Six people were killed and many more were injured after an SUV crashed into a Christmas parade. A terrorism expert explains how vehicles have been weaponized.
Domestic Violence Declined During Covid-19 Lockdowns
While documented simple and aggravated assaults dropped, reports of domestic violence rose for a variety of reasons, new research shows.
Black People Killed by Police at More Than Twice the Rate of Whites
An analysis of police violence also shows that the National Vital Statistics System misclassified and underreported about 55% of the estimated deaths by law enforcement for nearly 30 years.
Surging Catalytic Converter Thefts Spur State Crackdowns
The pollution control devices contain precious metals worth thousands of dollars per ounce.
Moderate Democrats Prevail in Notable Local Races, as a High Profile Police Reform Initiative Fails
But progressives also scored some key wins. Experts caution that off-year elections typically do not serve as a great barometer for the nation's political leanings.
Strategies for Combating the Opioid Crisis
In many cities and states, fatal drug overdoses—primarily from opioids—outnumber homicides, deaths from auto accidents, suicides and other types of fatalities. Law enforcement’s role is changing to address the challenges, according to research.
