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How One County Became a Lab for California's Prison Reform

Abbie Vansickle Manuel Villa

December 21, 2018 |

The Marshall Project |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, California

After San Joaquin County adopted a slew of criminal justice reforms, crime dropped by 20 percent, the lowest number in a decade. One of the things that was implemented were speciality courts aimed at decreasing arrest time and helping “former prisoners find jobs, housing and treatment for mental health and addiction problems.” Other measures include ending cash bail and racial bias training. “Crime has always been issue No. 1, but the narrative in this city is one about being a second chance city.”

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Building the next generation of 'guardian' cops — a blueprint for San Francisco?

Julian Mark

December 18, 2018 |

Mission Local |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Washington

The Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission has developed a training approach that emboldens police officers’ sense of guardianship by teaching empathy, how to build trust, and how to listen. As San Francisco’s police department grapples with how to be both guardians and warriors in their community, they seeks to adopt a similar model.

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A better way to investigate rape

MaryJo Webster Jennifer Bjorhus Brandon Stahl

December 09, 2018 |

Minneapolis Star Tribune |

Multi-Media |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, West Valley City, Utah

In West Valley City, Utah, the police department has transformed how they handle sex crimes. Department reforms include mandatory training on trauma, required testing of all rape kits, and the development of a set of guidelines to use when questioning victims – all of which shifting their focus towards justice and healing. The reforms have led to sharp increases in cases prosecuted and convicted and even changes in legislation statewide.

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After terror: how local governments can improve security without repression

Moritz Konradi

December 07, 2018 |

Apolitical |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Germany

Though many people traditionally think of a tension between security and civil liberties, but local governments in Germany are practicing ways to safeguard against terrorism without trampling their citizen's rights. By knowing their problem, encouraging civic participation, and focusing on the roots of the problem like social and economic inequality, these German mayors are improving security without sacrificing human rights.

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Investigating Hate

Kathy Dobie

December 01, 2018 |

Harper's Magazine |

Text |

Over 3000 Words

Response Location: United States, New York, New York

Since 2002, New York City’s Hate Crime Task Force (HCTF) has solved every single hate crime homicide and gang assault. While hate crimes are notoriously difficult to investigate and prosecute, the HCTF has developed methods like predictive models and alternative questioning tactics that strengthen their work. The unit has had strong support from marginalized communities, but now under new leadership, the sustainability of their successes are being called into question.

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Meet Singapore's robotic police task force

Chia Jie Lin

November 30, 2018 |

GovInsider |

Text |

Under 800 Words

Response Location: Singapore

The Singapore Police Force is utilizing technology to expand their surveillance efforts with patrol robots and drones. From search and rescue operations to identifying concerning sounds, these tools will support officers by increasing the efficiency of response protocols.

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Community policing project takes hold on East Side and in Police Department

Maki Becker

November 30, 2018 |

The Buffalo News |

Text |

1500-3000 Words

Response Location: United States, Buffalo, New York

After successfully testing a program out that used police officers as the conduits for organizing community-based activities, the Buffalo Police Department has created a team specifically to continue the work. Known as the Neighborhood Engagement Team (NET), Police Commissioner Byron C. Lockwood aims for NET to be "the model of the new Buffalo Police Department."

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How Sterling Heights uses its diversity to strengthen the city

Kate Roff

November 29, 2018 |

Metromode |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Sterling Heights, Michigan

Two initiatives in the Detroit suburb of Sterling Heights draw on the community's rich diversity to make it a more inclusive place. The city's police force is making sure its force "reflects the community they serve" by offering an "extended-session" training option on evenings and Saturdays to reach trainees who might not otherwise be able to attend full-time training. Established in 1990, the Ethnic Community Committee promotes a wide range of projects, including a Tamil entertainment group, Filipino-American civic participation education program, and mediation program.

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Video screening cuts jail time, reduces court 'no shows'

Mike Gallagher

November 25, 2018 |

Albuquerque Journal |

Multi-Media |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Albuquerque, New Mexico

In Bernadillo County people who are arrested for nonviolent crimes have the chance of being released, without having to serve jail time. They are screened through video by an intake officer who gauges the likelihood of them showing up in court. “We know from national studies that releasing low-level, non-violent offenders promptly reduces recidivism.” Data shows it works, and an overwhelming majority, 90 percent, of defendants showed up in court.

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When Mental-Health Experts, Not Police, Are the First Responders

Zusha Elinson

November 24, 2018 |

Wall Street Journal |

Text |

800-1500 Words

Response Location: United States, Eugene, Oregon

Cahoots, or Crisis Assistance Helping Out On The Streets, is a non-profit group that responds to mental health emergency calls instead of police in Eugene, Oregon. The group is cheaper than sending first responders, but are wired in to the 911 system and can respond without law enforcement. In neighboring Olympia, police are setting up a group modeled on Cahoots.

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