Black Lives Matter Searches for its Next Step
More than two years after the heat of anger over Trayvon Martin's shooting in Florida fused into Black Lives Matter, an Austin chapter is trying to mold its energy into an agenda to influence state lawmakers.
DPS searches Hispanics more, finds less, Statesman analysis shows
Over the past five years, Hispanic motorists stopped by Texas Department of Public Safety troopers were 33 percent more likely to be searched than white drivers. Yet those inspections were less likely to result in the discovery of drugs, weapons or illegal currency than the searches performed on white drivers.
City budget: Austinites say their piece
In just about a week, City Council will approve its Fiscal Year 2016-2017 budget. After hours of public testimony, it is clear that there are a lot of tough decisions left to make.
Police body camera policies scrutinized in new national analysis
With a new police body camera program set to begin at the end of September, an updated side-by-side comparison of police body cam policies in American cities now includes the capital of Texas.
Study finds no racial disparities in Houston police shootings
Police departments are notoriously reluctant to make data about officer behavior available for scrutiny by outsiders.
A Year Later, Sandra Bland's Death Propels Calls for Reform
In the year since her arrest and death in Waller County, Sandra Bland has powered the push for criminal justice reforms in Texas.
Does Sheriff Ron Hickman Have a Defensiveness Problem?
After deputies were indicted last week for ordering the search of a woman's vagina for marijuana in public, it's safe to say Sheriff Ron Hickman's response was rather jarring.
Cameras for Cops: Key details remain unresolved as proposal heads to City Council
Next Thursday, June 9, City Council will once again take up the topic of body-worn cameras (BWCs) for the Austin Police Department. The topic was originally scheduled for May 19, but Council punted it in order for the city to have time to consider what was missing from APD's primary operating policy.
Body camera questions continue at Austin City Hall
A new series of proposals from a state-wide public policy watchdog aims to clear up what appears to be ongoing confusion over when the public will be able to access Austin police body worn camera (BWC) videos and when people’s privacy will be protected.
City to vote on body camera contract as groups ask to clarify policy
As the Austin City Council gears up to decide Thursday whether to approve a contract that would equip the vast majority of police patrol officers with body cameras, several local organizations are calling on the Austin Police Department to clarify its policy regarding public access to the recordings.