Protesters with fists raised

An endless cycle of outrage and reform

For decades, police misconduct and the use of controversial tactics have fueled cycles of outrage that have been followed by commissions, studies and orders or promises to reform that often fade as time passes and scrutiny wanes.

Protestors march with signs in near the White House

What did police buy to handle protests?

This week we produced a story about police-department purchases early in the summer in response to thousands who protested George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis and police brutality nationwide.  We found that police in Washington, D.C., ordered more than $300,000 worth of “less-lethal” weapons, including tear gas, and used this and other chemical agents on largely …

Protest in Washington, D.C.

Kenosha deals with complex past, present healing

Kenosha, WI helped give Donald Trump a slim margin of victory in 2016, a win that can be traced in part to the healthy majority who years ago supported the Kennedys versus racist former Alabama Gov. George Wallace.

police truck with lights on at night

Assault on Police

Wiggling while handcuffed. Bracing one hand on the steering wheel during the arrest. Yelling at an officer. These actions have led to people being prosecuted for “assaulting a police officer” in Washington, D.C., where the offense is defined as including not just physical assault but also “resisting, opposing, impeding, intimidating or interfering” with law enforcement.