If we are to reimagine policing, we should consider demilitarization, de-escalation training, increased accountability, and re-investing in specialized services.
The Public Purpose
The Graduate Journal of American University's School of Public Affairs
Criminal Justice
Gun Control: An Update Since Parkland’s Tragedy
The U.S. media is constantly reporting on a mass shooting, in what seems like every few weeks. Casualties from gun violence are so prevalent, we almost have become numb to them and feel like we are waiting for the next one. In a rare, but tragic event, one survivor of...
Families Belong Together: The “Zero-Tolerance” Policy Dilemma and Family Border Separation
In May 2018, the Trump administration released its “zero-tolerance” policy wherein immigration and border security officials were to utilize stringent — and arguably inhumane — tactics targeted at mass detention and deportation of individuals crossing the U.S....
FBI’s No-Fly List: Efficacy and Transparency Called Into Question
The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI’s) no-fly list is seemingly an uncontroversial and comprehensive approach to ensuring the national security of the United States. However, under closer scrutiny, the list proves to be flawed. Currently, there are...
Private Prisons: Profiting From Families, Controlling Inmates’ Fates
The population of private prisons doubled between 2000 and 2010, and the industry has also become the largest novelty lobbying group.
A Glance at America’s Incarceration Problem: Culprits, Costs and Responses
Mass incarceration wastes billions of dollars, breaks families apart, perpetuates poverty, and entrenches institutionalized racism.
It’s Time to End Felon Disenfranchisement
States disenfranchise 5.8 million Americans, or about 2.5% of the total voting-age population, as a result of their involvement in the criminal justice system.