Nina Howard
Nina Howard nee-nah how-urd (she/her/hers)

Nina Howard is a 2022 graduate of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, majoring in journalism and electronic media. She has worked as an intern in the UTK’s Office of Communication News and Information and as an associate producer at WVLT for The Great Health Divide series.

Number of civilian oversight agencies rises

Civilian oversight agencies tout themselves as a way to improve police-community relations. We look at three different approaches – plus, what works and what doesn’t.

New York’s Civilian Complaint Review Board is one of the most transparent and active oversight bodies in the country, according to the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Police. (Photo by Nina Howard/News21)

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.

Katie Wright sits at the Daunte Wright memorial in Brooklyn Center, Minnesota, on Friday, July 8, 2022. The garden marks the spot where her son took his last breath after being shot in April 2021 by a Brooklyn Center police officer who said she mistook her pistol for her Taser. (Photo by Diannie Chavez/News21)

Police unions play multiple roles in reform efforts

MADISON, Wisc. – The power dynamic with some police unions has shifted – whether by choice or force. Some union leaders have tried to lead change, others have made concessions and some are fighting to maintain their power.

Police reform in U.S. is piecemeal, not comprehensive

ALBUQUERQUE – Reforming a vast, complex system of law enforcement will require innovative and proven solutions, a holistic approach and the willingness to change. So far, we’ve seen “reform around the edges” – with individual departments, cities and states tackling elements of police reform.

Elaine Maestas, left, a community oriented response and assistance responder in Albuquerque, New Mexico, makes a phone call alongside Albuquerque Community Safety responders Chris Blystone and Deborah Vigil on July 7, 2022. They responded to the aftermath of a SWAT raid that left a family of five without a home. (Photo by Kate Heston/News21)