Democratizing Police Oversight
States are increasing public participation in police oversight at a variety of levels. Greater use of oversight boards and changes in their composition, and collecting and sharing policing data are some of the ways legislatures hope to bring the public into the fold. Learn more in NCSL’s new policy brief.
The Cache
Research Requests Do Not Scare Us!
Did you know NCSL answers thousands of questions every year from legislators and legislative staff? Legislators ask all sorts of questions to help them understand policy issues or guide decisions on language to include in bill drafts. NCSL provides fact-based information and staff track more than 1,400 topics. Learn more about the topics we track, how to contact your state liaison or reach out via our A to Z Issues and NCSL Contacts page.
The Legislative Primer Series for Front-End Justice
These reports are part of a series that explores policies that affect the front end of the criminal justice system. Each brief looks at who is entering the “front door” of the criminal justice system and gives examples of legislation, national initiatives, best practices, promising programs and key research on timely issues. The series provides legislatures with the tools they need to consider cost-effective policies that protect public safety.
In the News
Assessing the Impact of Mississippi’s Front-End Drug Policy Changes
Mississippi enacted legislation in 2014 to divert people or connect them to treatment as appropriate. The Urban Institute assessed the implementation of these drug-related reforms. Key takeaways included a downward trend in the number of drug sentences to incarceration and community supervision from 2010 to 2021 and a reduction in the prison population that had a primary drug offense. Learn more key trends and data in the full report.
Enhancing Public Safety Through a Holistic Approach
As Americans demand solutions to rising crime rates and problems with the criminal justice system, innovative alternatives are gaining momentum. Among them is restorative justice community courts, which take a more holistic approach to public safety by focusing on repairing harm that’s been done and building trust between all parties involved.
Most Remain Unaware of 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Only 13% of adults in the U.S. have heard of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and know its purpose nine months after its launch, according to a nationally representative survey conducted for The Pew Charitable Trusts.
New Study of Pretrial Access to Counsel
A new study in Pittsburgh found that access to legal counsel at bail hearings decreased the bail amount and also pretrial detention. Hear more from the author of the newly published RAND Corporation study.
State Legislatures Magazine
Supreme Court to Reexamine Use of Civil Asset Forfeiture
The outcome could determine the ability of state law enforcement agencies to use a practice that four states have abolished.