What We're Reading
News that caught our attention or cited the Texas Justice Initiative from across the Lone Star State and beyond.
Mortality In Local Jails, 2000-2018
Published on April 29, 2021From the Bureau of Justice Statistics: From 2017 to 2018, the number of deaths in local jails rose by 2% across the country, reaching a record high of 1,120 individuals. Nearly half of the deaths were due to illnesses, followed by suicide and drug or alcohol intoxication.
The Pandemic Gender Gap Behind Bars: Meeting the Needs of Women in Custody During COVID-19 and Planning for the Future
Published on May 4, 2021Alycia Welch and Michele Deitch from the LBJ School of Public Affairs take a national look at how the coronavirus pandemic has affected incarcerated women. They note that common characteristics in women who are incarcerated – like previous trauma, unaddressed behavioral and physical health issues, experiences as single mothers and as low-income persons of color – have made them particularly vulnerable.
Police violence is a leading cause of death for young Black men, but it doesn’t top the list
Published on April 29, 2021PolitiFact checked into this comment made by New York State Sen. Kevin Parker, D-Brooklyn: "Law enforcement violence is the leading cause of death for young Black men and women in the US."
Relatives of Texans killed by police hope Derek Chauvin’s conviction will advance the state’s George Floyd Act
Published on April 23, 2021Jolie McCullough reports on the effort underway at the Texas Capitol and by families across the state to pass the George Floyd Act. "Since 2016, Texas law enforcement agencies reported more than 900 shootings by police. Of those shot, 28% were Black. During traffic stops that resulted in police use of force last year, 26% of the people were Black. In Texas, 12% of the population is Black," McCullough wrote, citing TJI's data.
Bill to reform reporting of deaths in custody faces law enforcement opposition
Published on April 21, 2021David Barer of KXAN reports on a Texas House committee hearing for a bill that would change the penalties for agencies that fail to file reports as required by law within 30 days of a death in custody. TJI's executive director testified in support of House Bill 2901.