Criminal Justice / Public News Service

At a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing, U.S. gymnasts alleged the FBI could have done more to prevent abuse in their sport. (gustavofrazao/Adobe Stock)

Monday, September 27, 2021

National Abuse Scandal Reminder it Can Be Prevented

BOISE, Idaho - Simone Biles and other U.S. gymnasts are confronting sexual abuse in their sport, including at a Senate Judiciary Committee this month…

Violence and maltreatment remain widespread in juvenile corrections and detention facilities nationwide, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation. (johnhain/Pixabay)

Friday, September 24, 2021

Debate Over Youth Prison Sentences Continues in New Mexico

SANTA FE, N.M. -- A New Mexico legislator is optimistic a bill will pass in the 2022 session to prohibit life sentences for juveniles convicted of …

New Jersey and California were the only states to receive "C" grades in a new report on state prison systems' handling of COVID-19. Most received lower marks. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Steps Needed to Improve Public Health in ME Prisons

AUGUSTA, Maine -- One out of every three people incarcerated in the U.S. has contracted COVID-19, and a new report showed how state prison systems…

Report: MO Receives Failing Grade for Handling of COVID in Prisons

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - One out of every three people incarcerated in the United States has contracted COVID-19, and a new report shows how state …

People confined in Pennsylvania jails are eligible to vote as long as they are not currently serving time for a felony conviction. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Lacks Universal Policy for Voting in Jails

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Many Pennsylvania county jails don't have clear policies to support voting access for people in jails, according to a new report …

Michael Watkins of Raleigh spent six months in prison for felony breaking and entering in 1988 and the next three decades getting his life on track. He earned a bachelor's degree last year at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C. (Michael Watkins)

Formerly Incarcerated Face Barriers to Normalcy

By Herbert L. White, Reporting for the the Charlotte Post Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan, Public News Service CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Michael …

Male survivors of sexual assault sometimes feel shame or self-doubt that prevents them seeking help. (AdobeStock).

Sexual-Violence Prevention: Patriarchal Ideas a Barrier for Men

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Anyone can become a victim of sexual violence, and work is underway in Ohio to ensure that men feel welcome in the anti-violence …

As the federal eviction moratorium ended this month, organizations including Arkansans for Stronger Communities have written to Gov. Asa Hutchinson, calling for the state to do a better job at getting the $173 million it received from the federal government in rental assistance to communities in need. (Adobe Stock)

Federal Lawsuit Challenges AR 'Failure to Vacate' Statute Against Renters

MALVERN, Ark. -- Arkansas is the only state in the country with what's known as a "failure to vacate" statute, which criminalizes the failure to pay …

The stress police officers experience can result in serious health complications, such as PTSD. (AdobeStock)

State Legislators Eye Emotional-Intelligence Training for Police

By Troy PiersonBroadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Last summer's …

A former regulator took more than $4 million from FirstEnergy to further the company's interests. (Adobe Stock)

Critics Continue Calls for Big-Picture Review of FirstEnergy's Dealings

By Kathiann M. Kowalski for Eye on Ohio, The Ohio Center for Investigative Journalism Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann for Ohio News Connection…

Research suggests a significant percentage of people on death row in the U.S. have some form of intellectual disability, brain damage, or severe mental illness. (Adobe Stock)

Rallies Planned Across TN for Pervis Payne

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Tomorrow, events in Knoxville, Memphis, Murfreesboro and Nashville will mark the one-year anniversary of weekly rallies for …

The Eastern Oregon Correctional Institution in Pendleton has a capacity of about 1,600 people. (tomas/Adobe Stock)

Despite Past Attempts, OR Not Among States to End Prison Gerrymandering

PORTLAND, Ore. - Local prison populations can affect how voting districts will be drawn. Eleven states, including Washington, have reconsidered …

Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley of Boston is one of the community leaders featured in the Uncornered Boston Photo Project. (Boston Uncornered)

Exhibit Showcases Ties Between Boston Residents, Historic Mayoral Race

BOSTON -- A new photo exhibit in the Seaport District showcases the surprising ties between a wide swath of Boston residents. The Boston Uncornered …

More than 80% of respondents to a recent national poll think police-involved shootings should be investigated by a separate and independent authority. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)<br /> — More than 80% of respondents to a recent national poll think police-involved shootings should be investigated by a separate and independent authority. (AndriiKoval/Adobe Stock)

Three NH Police-Reform Bills Signed into Law

CONCORD, N.H. -- Three police-reform bills signed into law this week are expected to increase police transparency and accountability in New Hampshire…

According to a Villanova University study, more than 200,000 Pennsylvania residents, 100,000 of whom are Black, currently are underrepresented due to prison gerrymandering. (Adobe Stock)

PA Advocates Praise Commission's Vote to End 'Prison Gerrymandering'

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Pennsylvania's Legislative Reapportionment Commission, the body tasked with creating the state's legislative maps based on U.S…

Police department parking lots and their video surveillance often are used as safe trading spots for people completing a transaction that began online. (Adobe Stock)

Police in ND: Avoid a Ripoff When Trading Items in Person

WEST FARGO, N.D. - West Fargo is the latest North Dakota city to offer "safe" trading spaces for online transactions. While not all communities …

More "Safe Trading" Spots Pop Up for Online Transactions

WEST FARGO, N.D. - Minnesota and neighboring states are seeing more police departments offer "safe" trading spaces for online transactions. While not …

Saichelle McNeill of Charlotte (right, with daughter J'Nai) served 27 months in federal prison. Upon release, she endured rejection when she applied for jobs in laundry services, before launching Washroom Laundry. (Courtesy Saichelle McNeill/The Charlotte Post)

Formerly Incarcerated NC Woman Built Her Own Small Business

By Ashley Mahoney, Reporting for the the Charlotte Post Broadcast version by Nadia Ramlagan, Public News Service CHARLOTTE, N.C. - When Saichelle …

Between 2014 and 2019, fentanyl overdose deaths in Maryland ballooned from 340 to more than 1,900, according to the Maryland Department of Health. (Adobe Stock)<br /> — Between 2014 and 2019, fentanyl overdose deaths in Maryland ballooned from 340 to more than 1,900, according to the Maryland Department of Health. (Adobe Stock)

As MD Opioid Deaths Explode in Pandemic, Town Halls Aim to Halt Crisis

BALTIMORE - The Maryland Stop Opioid Overdose Strategy, or Maryland S-O-S program, launches town hall meetings this week to address ways to combat …

Analyzing body camera footage from more than 100 police officers and 250 audio clips, a new study finds officers spoke to Black men with less warmth, respect and ease compared to white men. (Adobe stock)<br /> — Analyzing body camera footage from more than 100 police officers and 250 audio clips, a new study finds officers spoke to Black men with less warmth, respect and ease compared to white men. (Adobe stock)

New Virginia Research Center to Connect Police, People of Color

PETERSBURG, Va. - As Virginia law enforcement agencies adjust to a number of new policing laws this year, a new state think tank represents the first …

Almost half of all Black adults say they do not answer a call from someone they do not know, but two thirds report using the same or similar passwords across different accounts. (Adobe Stock)

Report Reveals Scammer Tactics Targeting Black, Latino Adults

DENVER - Nearly 40% of Black and Latino adults in Colorado and across the U.S. have been targeted by scammers, according to new AARP research…

There are more than 2,000 people incarcerated in the Monroe Correctional Complex, located in a small southeast Washington town. (SounderBruce/Wikimedia Commons)

As Redistricting Begins, New WA Law Ends 'Prison Gerrymandering'

OLYMPIA, Wash. - The recent release of detailed Census data means states can begin drawing up new voting maps. In Washington state, a new law will …

Seven states mandate that police officers wear body cameras. (Adobe Stock)

Mixed Response to Ohio Body-Camera Legislation

By Troy Pierson Kent State/Ohio News Service Collaboration COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Legislators in Ohio are considering a bill that would require police …

To address racial disparities in youth detention, The Sentencing Project report recommends state and local governments invest in community programs that address social inequities. (Adobe Stock)

PA Cuts Youth Justice Racial Disparities; Still Above U.S. Detention Average

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Despite youth incarceration rates falling nationwide in the last few years, major racial disparities remain for kids in …

Juvenile justice has its origins in the adult criminal-justice system, and can create similar racial injustices. (yos.org)

Texas Juvenile-Justice Racial Gap Improves, But Slowly

AUSTIN, Texas -- When kids get in trouble with the law, it is far more likely they'll be incarcerated if they're Black or brown, and that has created …

According to FBI data, U.S. law enforcement agencies made an estimated 1,558,862 drug related arrests in 2019. (Adobe Stock)

NC Faith Leaders Call Out "Failed" Drug Policy

ELIZABETH CITY, N.C. - As activists mark more than 100 days of protest since the April 21 death of Andrew Brown Junior - killed outside his Elizabeth …

Across the United States, 46 states have laws allowing for harsher punishment for crimes based on bias. (Ludk/Adobe Stock)

Report: Utah Could Improve Its Hate-Crime Laws

SALT LAKE CITY - With rising numbers of people targeted in hate crimes and related violence, a new report analyzes the hate-crime laws in each state…

Supporters say legalizing marijuana for recreational use would be an economic boon for Ohio, but opponents have concerns about health and safety. (Adobe Stock)

Recreational Marijuana on the Table Again in Ohio

By Troy Pierson / Broadcast version by Mary Schuermann reporting for the Kent State-Ohio News Connection Collaboration. As marijuana becomes more …

The disparity between Black and white youths in juvenile facilitied dropped by 13% between 2015 and 2019. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Racial Gap Narrows for Incarcerated OR Youth, But Work Remains

SALEM, Ore. - Young people of color are locked up at disproportionately high rates compared with their white peers, despite recent signs the gap is …

Nevada is seeing multiple efforts to reduce racial disparities among kids who are arrested or incarcerated, and a new report says it's working. (Connie Mills/Youth Villages)

NV Makes Progress Reducing Racial Disparities for Youth Behind Bars

CARSON CITY, Nev. -- Nevada is closing the racial gap among young people behind bars, according to a new report from The Sentencing Project. The …

Juvenile justice experts say the best response to common teenage misbehavior like smoking marijuana, petty theft or vandalism is counseling, not an arrest. (JDAI/AZ)

Racial Gap Among CA Youth Behind Bars Improves, But Remains High

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Despite decades of juvenile justice reforms, California is still incarcerating kids of color much more often than their white …

A new report says Black youths are more likely to be in custody than their white peers in every state but one: Hawaii. (Adobe Stock)

IA Sees Worsening Racial Gap in Youth Incarceration

DES MOINES, Iowa -- Iowa has recently laid out recommendations to reduce overrepresentation of minorities in the juvenile justice system. The effort …

On average, Black minors in the United States were five times more likely to be incarcerated than their white counterparts in 2015. The rate had fallen to 4.4 times by 2019. (Adobe Stock)

Racial Disparities in CT Juvenile Facilities Higher than US Trends

HARTFORD, Conn. -- While there has been a decline in youth incarceration overall, a report on data gathered just before the pandemic shows …

In early July, the Biden administration canceled nearly $56 million in student-loan debt, mostly connected to institutions engaging in misconduct, including promising jobs or falsely claiming credits would transfer to universities.(Adobe Stock)

Scammers Targeting Nebraska Student-Loan Holders

LINCOLN, Neb. - Student-loan forgiveness has become an increasingly popular scam targeting young adults, and as an October deadline looms, consumer …

About 41% of youths in juvenile facilities are Black, according to a new report, despite being only 15% of the youth population in America. (Adobe stock)

Report: Racial Disparities in MD Youth Incarceration Persist

BALTIMORE, Md. -- Although incarceration disparities for Black and white youths fell over the past decade, a new report shows young people of color …

Private companies that supply goods to prison commissaries or provide communication services rake in $2.9 billion a year, almost as much money as governments pay private companies to operate private prisons, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. (Adobe Stock)

KY County Jails' Profits from Phone Calls Soar During Pandemic

FRANKFORT, Ky. -- A new report finds county jails made more than $9 million from payments made for phone calls by incarcerated people, the year …

To afford a modest, two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent in much of Colorado, full-time workers need to earn $27.50 per hour or work 89 hours per week at current Colorado minimum wage. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Denver’s Bet on Housing-First Program Pays Off

DENVER -- When people experiencing chronic homelessness in Denver received free housing along with mental and behavioral health services, they were …

Pacific County is among the smallest in Washington. (Chetsford/Wikimedia Commons)

WA County an 'Innovator' in Criminal-Justice Reform

PACIFIC COUNTY, Wash. -- As parts of the country rethink criminal justice, a small county in Washington state is providing a model on how to better …

In a survey about restorative justice, 70% of respondents said they think less taxpayer money should be spent on prisons, jails and detention centers. (Office of Gov. J.B. Pritzker)

New IL Law Affects People in "Restorative-Justice" Programs

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- A bill signed into law in Springfield protects the participants in restorative-justice practices from having what they do or say …

Between 2009 and 2017, when 'raise the age' laws were implemented, Connecticut saw an 85% decrease in the number of minors housed at its Mason Youth Correctional Institute. (Adobe Stock)

With Fewer CT Youths in Jail, Advocates See Path for More Reforms

HARTFORD, Conn. -- A new report shows Connecticut has been able to decrease the number of young people in its juvenile-justice system since …

Republican-controlled states including Florida, Georgia and Iowa passed restrictive new voting laws based on disproven charges by former President Donald Trump there was fraud in the 2020 election, which he lost by more than 7 million votes. (kbhall17/Pixabay)

TX Democrats Aim to Stop Voter Restrictions by Leaving Town

AUSTIN, Texas -- A majority of Democrats in the Texas House exited the state Monday in an attempt to block Republicans from passing new laws to …

A new Sentencing Project report finds 6% of arrests for minors are for serious or violent offenses that might pose a threat to public safety, while 56% account for property crimes, drug crimes and violations of probation. (Adobe Stock)

‘Raise the Age’ Reforms Lead to No More Youths in NY Adult Prisons

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Rates of youth incarceration in adult jails and prison are down to zero since New York raised the age of criminal responsibility to 18…

Since 2007, 11 states raised the age of criminal responsibility to age 18, a nationwide reform initiative referred to as "raise the age." (Adobe Stock)

Report: NC’s ‘Raise the Age’ Law Led to Fewer Youths Charged as Adults

RALEIGH, N.C. -- In 2019, North Carolina stopped charging most 16- and 17-year-olds as adults, and a new report looks at the law's effects on the …

Research has shown that youths in the adult criminal justice system are 34% more likely to be arrested again than those convicted of similar offenses in juvenile court. (nicolagiordano/Pixabay)

Push Continues in Texas to "Raise the Age" for Juvenile Offenders

AUSTIN, Texas -- Texas is one of only three states to automatically treat 17-year-olds as adults when they are arrested, and the Texas Criminal …

In Pennsylvania, if you're in prison in connection to a misdemeanor or parole violation, you are still eligible to vote. (Adobe Stock)

Petition Calls for an End to Prison Gerrymandering in PA

HARRISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania should get some 2020 Census data this summer, to be used in the redistricting process. But some groups want the state …

Massachusetts raised the age of criminal responsibility from 17 to 18 in 2013, the fourth state to do so. (Flickr)

Report: 'Raise the Age' Law in MA Reduced Youth Detention

BOSTON - The number of kids and teens detained in Massachusetts has decreased since the state started treating arrested 17-year-olds as juveniles rath…

Illinois raised the age for charging juveniles as adults in misdemeanor cases in 2009, and for felony cases in 2013. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Fewer IL Youth in Prison Since Raising Criminal-Responsibility Age

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- The number of kids and teens behind bars has decreased since Illinois raised the age of criminal responsibility from 17 to 18…

Just two states give people incarcerated for felonies the right to vote - Vermont and Maine. (Orlowski Designs LLC/Adobe Stock)

Groups Call for Increased Voting Access in MA Prisons, Jails

BOSTON -- Advocates for voting rights are calling on Massachusetts lawmakers to increase access to the ballot box in jails and prisons before this fal…

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