The federal government’s move to insert itself into local policing decisions in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and (soon it seems) Chicago is not just overreach but an expansion of federal nullification. It nullifies the will of voters, the authority of elected officials, and the steady progress of communities that have worked to keep themselves safe on their own terms. By treating local voices as disposable, federal authorities are attempting to erase democratic control where it matters mo...| Policing Equity
As Congress moves to slash Medicaid funding, millions of Americans stand to lose more than just health coverage—they risk losing the stability and safety that come from accessible care. Drawing on the firsthand experiences of a former police chief and a mental health professional, this blog explores how deep cuts to the social safety net threaten not only individual well-being, but also the health and safety of entire communities. The post Gutting Medicaid is a Public Safety Crisis in the M...| Policing Equity
The federal government’s decision to assume control of the Metropolitan Police Department is a troubling overreach that ignores the facts and undermines our democracy. Crime in Washington, D.C. is not spiraling up. It is trending down. Instead of investing in the infrastructures that drive public safety—housing, education, and economic opportunity—the White House has chosen to escalate the drivers of surveillance, conflict, and detention. That choice sends a clear signal: communities in...| Policing Equity
Discover how the Sigma Justice Alliance, a groundbreaking collaboration between Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. and the Center for Policing Equity, is redefining leadership and justice in Black communities. The post Celebrating the Sigma Justice Alliance: A Legacy Reimagined appeared first on Policing Equity.| Policing Equity
The Daily Californian published an article on the Bay Area Rapid Transit system’s recent installation of new Next Gen Fare Gates to crack down on “free-riders.” This $90 million effort to quell the practice of fare evasion was promoted as a way to not only reduce crime, but improve feelings of safety among riders. Unfortunately, these claims don’t hold up. According to the article, studies fail to find consistent correlation between increased fare inspection and decreased fare evasion...| Policing Equity
In 2018, several high-profile reports of Black men being killed by police in Missouri and New York eventually prompted the Berkeley Police Department to contact the Center for Policing Equity. The nonprofit, which conducts analyses on stop data, uncovered major racial disparities in traffic stops, searches, and uses of force. An article by Berkleyside reports that the department has declared victory after completing an 11-year initiative to address issues of racial profiling, and racial dis...| Policing Equity
Federal Immigration and Custom Enforcement (ICE) agents have been the center of controversy as news outlets report officers carrying out raids in public spaces, often in plain clothes and with covered faces. More frequently, interactions between ICE and local communities are met with escalating hostility and violence. Community members report that ICE agents routinely carry out arrests without identifying themselves, which some say poses significant public safety risks. Hans Menos, a vice...| Policing Equity
In a society overwhelmed by urgent crises and systemic injustices, the need for care—especially within our public safety systems—has never been more urgent. This blog explores how systemic racism impacts the mental health of Black and Brown communities, highlighting the role of public safety in perpetuating or alleviating these challenges. As National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month shines a spotlight on these issues, the Center for Policing Equity examines the progress made throug...| Policing Equity
Yesterday, Brett Hankison, one of the former Louisville police officers involved in the botched raid that killed Breonna Taylor, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison. That sentence came despite the Department of Justice recommending just one day, an almost unimaginable proposal given the loss of life. While the court ultimately imposed a longer sentence, it is still not justice. It is only a form of accountability that comes too late for Breonna and those who loved her. True justice w...| Policing Equity
This blog highlights the important work of Brittenay Causieestko-Lee, the Director of Community Engagement at the Center for Policing Equity, as she shares her transformative journey as a participant in Cohort 3 of the Organizer Accelerator Program, a partnership with the NAACP and the Groundwork Project. The post Reflections from Jackson: Reaffirmed, Reconnected, and Ready appeared first on Policing Equity.| Policing Equity