Justice Reform

Michael Haas will receive about $1.5 million from the state if the governor agrees.

An ACLU of Virginia strategist says it’s a ‘step backwards.’

Scans can be spotty and often tough to read.

About 31 percent of Americans don’t trust the police, Pew Research Center reports. What’s driving that distrust, and how can it be remedied? Adam Wojcicki of the Virginia Center for Policing Innovation shares insights and solutions.

One of the most volatile topics in public safety relates to solitary confinement in Virginia prisons. Prisoner rights advocates have been pushing for years to end a practice which Virginia prison administrators say, technically, does not exist in our state. What they describe instead as “restorative housing” is the subject of a new report... Mandated this year by the general assembly and published on December first. The Virginia Coalition on Solitary Confinement was also assigned as a partner to study the restorative housing program and determine how to safely curb use of the practice. But the coalition pulled out of the research and issued its own report. Citing a refusal by corrections officials to allow outside oversight of the research. In fact, they say that the lack of oversight of daily prison practices can mean life or death for the incarcerated. And can impact all of us when prisoners are released into society.

Charlottesville has drawn national attention because of the horrific murders of three student athletes in November. But prior to the tragedy, gun-related murders had decreased in the city over the past two years, bucking both statewide trends. That may be due to the crime-prevention efforts of those committed to interrupting violence. Two such non-profits have received city funding to resolve conflicts before they become violent. One is Peace in the Streets. The other is the BUCK Squad.

In Virginia, anyone convicted of a felony automatically loses their civil rights — the right to vote, serve on a jury, run for office, become a notary public and carry a firearm.

But Chesterfield County Police Chief Col. Jeffrey S. Katz said the laws are complicated.

Twelve plaintiffs currently are seeking damages from the Virginia Department of Corrections for alleged violations of their constitutional and statutory rights.

The eight-member board would review police shootings, as well as other injuries or deaths that occurred while individuals were in custody.