Tirzah Christopher
Tirzah Christopher tuhr-zah kris-tof-er (she/her/hers)
Buffett Foundation Fellow

Tirzah Christopher is an international investigative reporter with the Howard Center for Investigative Journalism and has covered immigration in Mexico, national housing issues and politics.

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)

Policymakers, activists and nonprofits lead way to bring more transparency to police departments

ARLINGTON, Texas – The call to increase transparency has become a standard rallying cry in police reform, but efforts have met with resistance. Some states, cities and police departments have made progress to open records. And sometimes, outside forces have stepped in when they don’t.

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)