Judicial elections may be part of justice system reform
As the country comes to grips with systemic racism, experts say one overlooked avenue for reform is the way judges are selected across the U.S., notably judicial elections.
Category: Crime
War crimes investigations aided by artificial intelligence
Proving war crimes can be a long, tedious process, involving people spending many hours scouring thousands of images from war-torn countries like Yemen. Human rights groups across the globe are working to incorporate artificial intelligence into the process to speed up the time it takes to present evidence of war crimes in court.
Police surveillance cameras have time limits, Massachusetts court says
Can police mount surveillance cameras on phone and utility poles outside your house and watch your every move? Not in Massachusetts, at least not for extended periods.
Police reconsider facial recognition, other tech
The U.S. may see a decline in the use of certain technologies used by law enforcement, including facial recognition, as calls for reimagining policing continue to grow.
Fourth Amendment case raises larger questions
The sentiment on the streets on the need for police reforms appears to be seeping into the halls of justice. That includes questions about Fourth Amendment rights prohibiting illegal search and seizure.
Social media can be a tool or a weapon for police
Law enforcement agencies use social media in various ways to monitor crime and communicate with the population. But there are few laws on what they can and cannot do with someone’s personal information.
Crime rate often dropped as coronavirus took over
COVID-19 has changed the crime rate in many cities across the nation. Most continue to show a decrease in calls for service, even as in some places the economy begins to open.
Chokeholds lose favor in many, not all, police departments
Fewer police departments are allowing the use of chokeholds since the death of George Floyd at the hands of a Minneapolis police officer in May. But the practice is continuing in numerous locations. Meanwhile, families affected by the use of this method of subduing suspects are still seeking justice in cases where it has led to the death of a loved one. And protesters are still on the streets calling for police reform that would reduce the use of deadly force.
Police interviews, social distancing call for creativity
As with many other things, COVID-19 is changing the face of police interviews, some say for the better. Interviews are being conducted at a distance, frequently outdoors, to minimize the chances of virus transmission.
Who’s watching? New surveillance atlas shows you
Cameras are everywhere, but a new tool, the Atlas of Surveillance, has information on more than 3,000 cities.