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Correctional officers refuse to get vaccinated; Illinois bans police from using deception tactics on minors —your weekly justice news
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left out to dry: Women prisons tend to neglect mental and physical health. This extends to pregnant women who are often denied access to necessary maternity care, putting them and their babies’ health in danger. The Justice Gap (July 13, 2021)
concerning numbers: Rates of coronavirus infection at an ICE facility in Tacoma, Washington are on the rise as more people are detained at the facility. Across the country, the number of people in ICE detention centers have nearly doubled since the beginning of this year. KNKX (July 6, 2021)
robbed: Police in East Cleveland, Ohio stole over $300 dollars from Richard Seawright after his car was searched for no apparent reason. This is not a unique experience; police have repeatedly stolen money from people they’ve stopped and searched in East Cleveland. Cleveland.com (July 12, 2021)
risky behavior: Many prison staff around the country have refused the COVID-19 vaccine. Corrections officers’ reluctance to get the vaccine has been driven by social media, right-wing politics and chauvinism, according to the New York Times and Philadelphia Inquirer. The Crime Report (July 12, 2021)
death by overdose: Over the past 18 years, death from drug or alcohol overdose has risen by 600% in state prisons and 200% in county jails. This trend has primarily been driven by opioids, especially illegal fentanyl. The Marshall Project (July 15, 2021)
put in check: Illinois governor has signed a bill that will ban police officers from lying or using other deceiving tactics while interrogating a minor. This is the first bill of its kind in the United States. The Chicago Tribune (July 15, 2021)
judicial biases: Attorneys for Randy Halprin argue the judge who put him on death row is antisemitic and deserves a new trial. Prosecutors have said the claims are unfounded and egregious. Dallas Morning News (July 14, 2021)
devastating: At the end of 2020 domestic violence shelters are experiencing surges in calls after domestic violence increased during the pandemic. As gun sales skyrocket, experts say that access to guns increase a female victim’s chance of being killed by 1000%. PBS (July 14, 2021)
oval office approach: In a meeting with mayors and law enforcement officials, President Biden advised that federal money from coronavirus relief packages be used to combat crime. Biden has been criticized in the past for his approach to crime which worries reform advocates. The Washington Post (July 12, 2021)
disgusting negligence: Indianapolis FBI failed to respond to allegations of gymnasts being sexually abused by USA Gymnastics team doctor Larry Nassar, leading to even more abuse, according to the Inspector General of the U.S. Department of Justice. IndyStar (July 14, 2021)
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