James Doyle Brown Jr. is an investigative journalism master’s student at Arizona State University. Brown, who has an undergraduate degree in communications from Northern Arizona University, is a certified project manager with previous professional experience in music, health care and legal administration. He is a columnist and digital reporter on the politics desk for The State Press at ASU.
Exodus from police departments could be an opportunity for change
PHOENIX – Police departments across the country are in a workforce crisis. Some leaders see this as an opportunity, and they’re trying harder to attract candidates who reflect the communities they serve, with a focus on women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
How tragedies in traffic stops lead to reforms across the country
MINNEAPOLIS – Cities are actively working to implement traffic stop reforms to reduce the racial disparity and avoid another tragedy like Daunte Wright and Philando Castile. Reforms include banning low level traffic stops, automated enforcement, and implementing unarmed civilians.
The future of traffic enforcement? Officers text you the ticket
SAN ANTONIO – Former San Antonio police officer Val Garcia started Trusted Driver, which allows motorists to opt in to receiving text warnings or citations of minor traffic violations. The program also can eliminate miscommunications between driver and officer, which can turn deadly.
Austin artists launch ‘decruiting’ campaign against police
AUSTIN, Texas – Texas artists Andie Flores and Sam Lavigne launched a campaign to discourage new recruits from joining the Austin Police Department and persuade existing officers to quit. They call it the Austin Police Department Decruitment initiative.
