BOP Preventable Deaths, ShotSpotter Cancellation & More

"Today's report identified numerous operational and managerial deficiencies, which created unsafe conditions prior to and at the time of a number of these deaths."

A new report from the Department of Justice (DOJ) inspector general exposed a distressing reality around inmate deaths within federal prisons, noting that 344 inmates in federal prison having died from suicide, homicide or accidents over an eight-year period. More than half of those deaths—187—were suicides. The investigation reveals systemic failures in mental health care and suicide prevention protocols, finding that most non-medical deaths in federal facilities could have been prevented. In the hours after the report was released, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin committed to holding a hearing on the issue in the Senate Judiciary Committee before month end.

"Moving forward, the city of Chicago will deploy its resources on the most effective strategies and tactics proven to accelerate the current downward trend in violent crime."

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced this week that he will not be renewing the city’s controversial contract with ShotSpotter, the gunshot detection system that city police have used for several years. This decision follows growing concerns about the system's accuracy and its impact on communities, prompting a reevaluation of its role in addressing gun violence. At the same time, supporters of the technology argue that losing it means losing the opportunity to get gunshot victims lifesaving treatment as quickly as possible. Further complicating matters, it’s being reported that ShotSpotter’s roughly $49 million contract is now set to expire today instead of in September as the Mayor originally stated, meaning the city will have to enter a new deal with parent company, SoundThinking, to cover any additional months of service.

"They didn't see that the voters gave them this really imperfect tool but were committed to reducing substance use disorder rates and increased access to treatment."

Elected officials in Oregon are seeking to repeal key elements of Measure 110—a ballot initiative that decriminalized possession of small amounts of drugs—blaming the law for open drug use and soaring overdoses. But advocates say elected officials’ hands-off approach with implementing the initiative is to blame for some of its bigger failures. ProPublica published a report this week that takes a closer look at the behind-the-scenes challenges hindering the state’s drug decriminalization efforts. 

"I have an opportunity to make things better by improving the conditions that incarcerated people experience, so that they do better when they go back into society."

As elected leaders, sheriffs are empowered to set and implement policy instead of being bound by city-based decision-making. An article published by Arnold Ventures this week profiles a few sheriffs who are redefining their roles in a forward-thinking way by focusing on policy change, prioritizing mental health and substance abuse treatment, and enhancing community engagement in a way that makes their communities safer and fairer.

"[T]his is an incredible responsibility and perhaps this is one of those places where there should be a higher level of shared governance."

Following legislation that was passed in 2023, Minnesota is creating a citizen panel to decide which inmates serving life sentences are released and which stay in prison, instead of these decisions being left up to the Corrections Commissioner alone. Prior to this legislation, Minnesota was one of only four states where the commissioner maintained unilateral authority over who is freed. Commissioner Schnell, who supported this bill, has previously stated, “we believe that, in the interest of fairness, it is important that a broader segment of people have the opportunity to be included in this.” The new citizen panel will begin making decisions in July.