By failing to collect DNA samples when they arrest people as the law requires, Alaskan law enforcement left the state’s DNA database with crucial gaps, allowing at least one serial rapist to go undetected.
COMMENTARY | Tactical communications training can enhance safety and increase officer efficiency as local governments face shrinking budgets and calls to change how police operate.
A dozen city and state officials also called for the disbandment of vice, the primary division that polices the sex trade; some want investigations into misconduct allegations against the unit, including withholding of evidence.
After the police killing of George Floyd, a majority of the city council vowed to dismantle the police department. They took a much more modest step this week.
Preliminary data from this year shows that homicide rates are up in most major cities. The pandemic and social unrest are both possible factors in the rise.
Federal, state, and tribal agencies will create guidelines for investigations into missing persons and murder cases where Native American or Alaska Native people are involved.
The Biden administration will reinvigorate “pattern and practice” investigations into police departments and correctional facilities, while also looking to more aggressively examine prosecutors.
The city saw a wave of protests this summer calling for major changes in how the police operate. Now it’s the latest city to embrace the use of medical and mental health professionals for certain 911 calls.
COMMENTARY | Many cities are exploring how to cut police funding and replace some law enforcement officers with teams of social workers and other specialists. The shortcomings of teams of social scientists deployed by the U.S. Army in Iraq and Afghanistan can provide some valuable insights into the kind of mistakes to avoid.
The cities said that labeling them “anarchist jurisdictions”—and threatening to withhold federal money— was an “arbitrary and capricious” decision that has no merit and violates the Constitution.
A state appeals court in New Jersey ruled that the attorney general does have the power to compel police departments to disclose the names of police officers who have been disciplined for misconduct.
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Fauci suggests Americans should skip traditional Thanksgiving gatherings … Voter-approved initiative on car fees struck down by Washington Supreme Court … A third Republican governor won’t endorse Trump in election.
STATE AND LOCAL ROUNDUP | Boston finalizes police reforms … San Diego purchases hotels to house homeless people … NYC Mayor asks ICE agents to stop falsely identifying themselves as members of the NYPD.