Gov. Rick Perry told federal officials he would not sign a form complying with regulations meant to prevent prison rape and assault. Prison reform advocates worry the decision could have financial and legal consequences.
Criminal Justice
Get the latest Texas Tribune coverage on criminal justice, including crime, courts, law enforcement, and reforms shaping the state’s justice system.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Demolition Mission Targets Laredo Eyesores
For the first time on the border, the National Guard is teaming up with the Border Patrol in Laredo to help rid the city of dwellings that were once havens for drugs and smuggling.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
TDCJ Will Appeal Judge’s Ruling on Execution Drugs
Amid national debate over disclosure of information about execution drugs, Texas Department of Criminal Justice officials said they will appeal a judge’s order to reveal the supplier of its execution drugs.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Lawmakers File Bill to Increase CBP Oversight
U.S. Rep. Beto O’Rourke has filed a bill that would establish increased oversight committee for Border Patrol agents when it comes to use of force, training and community engagement.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
As AG Weighs Plastic Bag Laws, Dallas Passes Its Own
Amid debate over whether plastic bag bans violate the state’s health and safety laws, Dallas on Wednesday became the largest city in Texas to pass an ordinance restricting use of the bags.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Report: Many Youths Still Detained for Minor Infractions
The number of youths detained for minor infractions has fallen nationally and in Texas, but thousands of youths remain in detention for misbehaviors like violating curfew, according to a report released this week.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Rolando Pablos: The TT Interview
The CEO of the Borderplex Alliance on what El Paso needs to do to shed its reputation as a hub for low-skilled and low-wage industries, why he thinks the war in Ciudad Juárez is officially over and his thoughts on immigration reform.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Interim Juvenile Justice Department Leader Named
UPDATED: The board of the Texas Juvenile Justice Department on Wednesday announced the selection of an interim executive director to succeed Mike Griffiths, who announced his resignation last month.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Appeals Court to Weigh Value of Advances in Forensic Evidence
The Texas Court of Criminal Appeals will hear arguments Wednesday in a case that could determine how courts across the state apply a new law that allows courts to consider changing scientific evidence.
Posted in
Criminal Justice
Groups Welcome Release of CBP’s Use-of-Force Policy as a First Step
Some Texas-based advocacy groups say the release of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s use-of-force policy for Border Patrol agents is a positive step for transparency. But they add that more could be done.
