Policing

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?

  • By Rod McCullom, Undark

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.

  • By Daniela Altimari

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.

  • By Daniela Altimari

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. 

  • By Clarence E. Anthony and Doug Linkhart

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.

  • By Jesse Jannetta , Vaughn Crandall and Shani Buggs

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.

  • By James Small and Joanna Weiss

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.

  • By Shourjya Mookerjee

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

Rising Gun Deaths Push Cities to Shore Up Police and Services

Sixteen major U.S. cities saw a rise in homicides last year.

  • By Matt Vasilogambros, Stateline

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

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.

  • By Andre Claudio
Featured eBooks
The State of Trust in Government
Cybersecurity in State and Local Government
Building Data Literacy in the State and Local Workforce

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.

  • By Mia Bloom, The Conversation

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

Surging Catalytic Converter Thefts Spur State Crackdowns

The pollution control devices contain precious metals worth thousands of dollars per ounce.

  • By Jenni Bergal, Stateline

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.

  • By Andrea Noble and Kate Elizabeth Queram

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.

  • By Andre Claudio

We Can’t Transform Policing Without Addressing Trauma

COMMENTARY | Studies show that many police officers suffer trauma on the job. Officer wellness programs can help them better serve their communities.

  • By Tashante McCoy and Eric Jones

Percentage of Women in State Policing Has Stalled Since 2000

Female officers are less likely to use force and are named in fewer complaints.

  • By Lindsey Van Ness, Stateline

3 Strategies for Advancing Facial Recognition Technology in Policing

As more agencies launch FRT programs, standard best practices should be discussed regularly to ensure this technology protects citizen’s privacy and civil liberties, according to a recent report.

  • By Andre Claudio