Civilian oversight of police is popular, but does it work? A ‘million dollar question’
Civilian oversight agencies tout themselves as a way to improve police-community relations. We look at three different approaches – plus, what works and what doesn’t.
Increasing police transparency is ‘messy,’ but efforts come from many directions
ARLINGTON, Texas – The call to increase transparency has become a standard rallying cry in police reform, but efforts have met with resistance. Some states, cities and police departments have made progress to open records. And sometimes, outside forces have stepped in when they don’t.
‘Fresh food, fresh start’: Tucson cafe doubles as training program for people with mental illness
TUCSON – Café 54 serves as an employment training program for people with mental health conditions. Trainees work as cashiers, cooks, dishwashers and servers. The goal is to help them gain new skills and land a permanent job in the workforce.
‘We can figure this out’: Police, public and policymakers work to improve responses to mental health crises
SALT LAKE CITY – Police have become the de facto mental health responders across the country, often with tragic results. Most strategies to deal with mental health calls focus on shifting funds to social services, creating diversion programs and better training for officers. Experts say the solution relies on a combination of efforts.
Push and pull: Unions play multiple roles in police reform efforts
MADISON, Wisc. – The power dynamic with some police unions has shifted – whether by choice or force. Some union leaders have tried to lead change, others have made concessions and some are fighting to maintain their power.
‘Reform around the edges’: Changes to policing have been piecemeal, not comprehensive
ALBUQUERQUE – Reforming a vast, complex system of law enforcement will require innovative and proven solutions, a holistic approach and the willingness to change. So far, we’ve seen “reform around the edges” – with individual departments, cities and states tackling elements of police reform.
Former Phoenix police official explains secrecy around union contract negotiations
PHOENIX – Activists demand more transparency during contract negotiations between police unions and cities. News21 speaks to Kevin Robisonson, a former Phoenix assistant police chief, to explain the process and why it’s kept secret.
As Arizona recovers from pandemic, Black entrepreneurs still face challenges
PHOENIX – The 2022 State of Black Business report revealed that although Black business owners still have the lowest entrepreneurship rate nationally, they contribute significantly to Arizona’s economy. But entrepreneurs like Fernanda Sayles, owner of FernDiggidy Sweets & Treats, have prevailed despite hardships.
Afghan refugees, many with uncertain immigration status, struggle with daily life
PHOENIX – It's been a little more than a year since the United States withdrew from Afghanistan after two decades. Refugees in Arizona are still dealing with finding jobs, technology, residency status and the memories of their escape.
Murals paint memories of those lost to police violence across the U.S.
SALT LAKE CITY – Across the U.S., artists paint murals to memorialize victims of police violence. For some, they serve as public gravesites, spaces of remembrance and community. For others, they are difficult reminders of loss.
‘Good Samaritan’ bill aims to allow cleanup of abandoned, leaking mines
WASHINGTON - Arizona officials have high hopes for a proposed "good Samaritan" law that could help clean up some of the tens of thousands of leaking, abandoned mines in the state by removing legal liability for those who take on the job of mine remediation.
Gallego touts local efforts in Phoenix to battle climate change
WASHINGTON - Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego touted the city Thursday as a model for enduring extreme weather events, during a virtual panel on how local governments can help defend against the impacts of climate change.
