Public Safety
Covering topics such as corrections, criminal justice, emergency management, gun control and police/fire/EMS.
The causes of these alarming gaps in equitable access to emergency care are complex. Fixing the problem won’t come from patchwork efforts or temporary fixes.
Shortages are so bad in some counties that defendants have had to be released because they can’t be tried in a timely manner.
Experts argue about whether it’s mostly poor road design or dangerous drivers. But there’s no question that it’s gotten a lot riskier to travel on foot.
The city is 20 percent short of its full contingent of officers. That's causing problems for everything from 911 response to addressing cold cases.
Diverting young people who commit low-level offenses to community support programs can help them avoid incarceration down the line. Girls in particular may benefit from these tactics.
Law enforcement has come out of a period of severe criticism with more support than ever. Departments still face many challenges though, most notably hiring enough officers.
The administration is shifting resources away from Housing First, the long-established approach of getting individuals into supportive housing as the first priority.
The sheriff of Winneshiek County has complied with all federal and state immigration enforcement requests, but state Attorney General Brenna Bird said his Facebook post spread false information about the need for court orders.
Utah’s new legislation addresses parents’ concerns, doesn’t tax state or local resources for enforcement, and is popular with the public. Other states should see it as a model.
The City Council wants to shift funds toward projects that have been stalled for years or even decades. Sacramento has seen 300 traffic deaths over the past eight years.
Criminal justice experts say understaffing and trauma can contribute to prison violence. Mental health support and a sense of community may help.
Local governments and manufacturers need to embrace standardized firefighting equipment. Otherwise, it’s going to cost too much and isn’t going to be available when we need it.
The state is using roadside tests to check whether drivers have used drugs, similar to tests for alcohol. A pilot program found that 87 percent of tested drivers had used cannabis or illegal drugs.
Above all, staff needs support. And there are techniques for keeping violence in check. Everybody — officers, inmates and communities — benefits.
It’s often legal for officers to deceive suspects — but critics say this can lead to false confessions. Experts have mixed opinions about whether restricting the practice would affect case closure rates.
A state-run insurance program is running out of money following the L.A. wildfires. Lawmakers are looking for ways to shore it up as private insurers leave the state.
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