criminal-justice
Philly diversion program offers option to clear criminal records
For 10 years, The Choice is Yours program has offered first-time drug offenders, ages 18-30, an alternative to going before a judge.
Pa. human services, corrections departments launch doula program for incarcerated mothers
SCI-Muncy and SCI-Cambridge Springs, both all-female facilities, can hold an average of seven to eight pregnant people at any given time, a Department of Corrections spokesperson said.
How should the law adjust to the Rittenhouse verdict? | Bruce Ledewitz
First, government officials can take a firmer and clearer hand in dealing with violent protests. Arson and looting are not part of any legitimate political expression. State and local governments can only keep out private gunmen if officials are able to protect lives and property. No widespread arson, no Kyle Rittenhouse.
Philly Summit addresses link between gun violence and environment
The summit comes as research shows how major improvements in community habitat, living conditions and natural environment reduces violence substantially.
The 3 factors behind the perfect storm of 2020’s homicide spike | Opinion
More guns, pandemic stress and a police legitimacy crisis created perfect conditions for the 30% leap in homicides.
Pa.’s long-serving prisons chief, John E. Wetzel, is leaving, Wolf admin says
Wetzel, whose work to reform the state's sprawling and expensive prison system, won him plaudits, told the Capital-Star that he plans to open a criminal justice nonprofit in February.
Controversial Allegheny County Jail contractor has criminal history, served time in U.K.
The contractor, Joseph Garcia, also once warned of a race war against correctional officers
Hunger strike ends at Pa. prison; organizers proclaim it a success
The hunger strike by more than 20 incarcerated men at State Correctional Institution-Phoenix in Montgomery County over prolonged solitary confinement is now over.
Alle. Co. DA Zappala faces rising criticism over reports he retaliated against Black attorney
Ed Gainey, the Democratic nominee for Pittsburgh mayor, has joined the chorus of voices calling for an investigation into Allegheny County District Attorney Stephen Zappala.
A just verdict is not justice, it’s accountability — and we need more | Opinion
The United States government, however, apparently cannot tell you exactly how many lives have been lost at the hands of law enforcement.
Pgh cops seek hundreds of sponge rounds, smoke grenades, and other less-lethal weapons
This request for less-lethal weapons stock comes as the Pittsburgh Police department is preparing for potential unrest from the conclusion of the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin.
The Pa. Corrections Department shouldn’t renew its contract with Smart Communications. This is why | Opinion
The DOC could institute less draconian measures that would prevent the introduction of drugs into prisons while allowing incarcerated people to receive their mail.