Criminal Justice

Philadelphia

Shootings Remain High in Philly, But City-Funded Violence Interruption Shows Promise

A recent study found that a Philadelphia program can reduce shootings among participants by about half.

Chicago

I’m The Trace’s New Community Engagement Reporter. Chicago, I Want to Hear From You.

What is the conversation about gun violence in your city missing?

Commentary

Do Not Scapegoat Young People for the Increase in Gun Violence

Historically, juveniles are responsible for a small portion of shootings and homicides. That remains the case today, even as regressive rhetoric resurfaces in America’s most hallowed institutions.

How We Fix This

How a Newark Program Is Pushing Police and Community Members to Heal Old Wounds Together

The city hopes that providing officers and residents the space and tools to listen to each other can remedy distrust and prevent further violence.

Criminal Justice

To Shed a Cage

Hamid Abd-Al-Jabbar and David Thompson bonded in juvenile detention in the 1980s, then spent most of the next 40 years in prison. When they emerged from one of the country’s most unforgiving state penal systems, their friendship proved crucial.

Philadelphia

Philadelphia Embraced Larry Krasner’s Progressive Vision. But He May Be Running Out of Time.

Philadelphia’s progressive prosecutor is facing a climbing homicide rate, pushback from the police, and skepticism from the community. If he wins, can his platform survive?

Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Advocates Criticize Biden Appointee Over Federal Gun Prosecutions

U.S. Attorney Channing Phillips is continuing a Trump-era policy that shifts some D.C. gun possession charges to federal court. Opponents say it disproportionately affects Black residents.

How We Fix This

Promising Crime Solutions Are Being Undermined by Flawed Federal Ratings, Researchers Say

While local leaders seek answers to a sharp rise in violent crime, experts worry the Justice Department’s CrimeSolutions clearinghouse may be holding back effective programs.

Community Violence

To Save Baltimore, Mayoral Candidates Vow to Crack Down on Illegal Guns

With voters desperate to reduce shootings, three of the campaign’s black front-runners are embracing aggressive law enforcement tactics that could perpetuate racial disparities.

How We Fix This

Treating Mothers’ Trauma as a Way to Prevent Youth Violence

In Michigan, SURE Moms has created a healing space for parents working to keep their kids out of the juvenile justice system.

Philadelphia

Larry Krasner’s Lonely, Radical Crusade to Solve America’s Gun Problem

The progressive prosecutor wants to fight gun violence with a light touch. His critics say he’s crazy. His defenders say he’s onto something.

Criminal Justice

The Complicated Collision of Criminal Justice Reform and Gun Rights

Ideological lines get tangled when reforming the system means people once barred from owning firearms can get them back.

Criminal Justice

After Trace/BuzzFeed News Investigation, Baltimore Officials Tell Police to Turn Up the Heat on Shooters

Baltimore leaders are pressing the Police Department to direct more resources toward solving violent crimes, following an investigation by The Trace and BuzzFeed News that highlighted how strained detectives at the troubled agency failed to work promising leads, potentially…

Criminal Justice

A Powerful Database Helps Solve Gun Crimes. Only Two States Require Police to Use It.

New Jersey and Delaware have laws mandating that investigators use an innovative ballistics system called NIBIN. The other 48 states don’t — and their reticence makes it harder to ID shooters everywhere.

Criminal Justice

Florida Man Who Planned to ‘Shoot Up’ Mosque Arrested for Silencer Purchase

A 69-year-old man arrested in Jacksonville, Florida, on Friday had threatened to “shoot up” a mosque, the Federal Bureau of Investigation said. While driving to a gun range on November 10, Bernandino Bolatete told an undercover detective that he…