In Washington, a ‘Black Box’ of Practices Hides Civil Forfeiture from Oversight
Co-published with Crosscut. The state ranks near worst in the nation for constraints on civil asset forfeiture.
The Strange, Failed Fight to Rein in Civil Forfeiture in Washington
Co-published with Crosscut. Washington police sell or use millions of dollars’ worth of seized property each year. Legislators haven’t managed to change the rules.
Washington Civil Forfeiture Law Turns Minor Drug Offenses into Major Losses
Co-published with Crosscut. Even as Washington winds down its drug war, police still seize homes and cash from low-level suspects.
Why I Check the “Black” Box
Co-published with Slate. I learned racial ambiguity was not something I could afford.
Trapped: How Juvenile Courts Saddle Families with Impossible Debt
Co-published with Slate. Most states let courts fine teenagers. The debt is taking down their whole families.
Not Just “Cops”: Culture Industry Must End Anti-Black Content
Co-published with The Intercept. It’s time to end the entertainment industry’s anti-Black, pro-police programming.
‘Operation Clean Sweep’ Arrest Reports Show Most Arrests Were For Drug Possession
Co-published with WBUR. A review of Boston police reports reveals the majority of those arrested in “Operation Clean Sweep” were not charged with drug crimes, contrary …
A Town Under Trial
This story originally appeared in the Spring 2017 issue of Oxford American with support from EHRP. What an unsolved double murder in Kentucky reveals about America’s military-industrial complex.
When Your Used Car Makes You a Target for Cops
Co-published with VICE. Buying a car and actually owning it in the eyes of the law are not the same thing. Some Americans are finding that out …
Want Police Reform? Charge Rich People More for Speeding Tickets
Co-published with The Guardian. Municipal coffers are being filled by fining those who can least afford it. If fees were tied to wealth, that calculus would shift.
The Truancy Trap
Co-published with The Atlantic. Courts are hitting students with harsh penalties and collecting millions of dollars in fines. But are they addressing the real problems?