Legal

Legal matters are a core focus for local and state government agencies, encompassing the creation, interpretation, and enforcement of laws and regulations that govern public affairs. Legal frameworks ensure that government actions are consistent with the rule of law and protect citizens’ rights. Though by no means a perfect system – enforcement inequities continue to make the headlines – local leaders strive to create laws that work fairly for all.

If passed, the bipartisan Invest to Protect Act would be available to PDs with 175 or fewer officers and would help cover training, mental health support and recruitment efforts
Governor DeWine authorized the Cyber Reserve Force to assist the still closed Cleveland Municipal Court
Councilmember Monica Rodriguez said Mayor Karen Bass’ ousting of Fire Chief Kristin Crowley is a move to deflect criticism of Bass’ handling of wildfires
State law allows cannabis use during off-hours for every profession, but Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop believes that there should be an exception for cops
Anchorage will allow most employees to use marijuana off the clock, but not work for the city within eight hours of using marijuana
San Diego would be the first city in the county to battery storage and disposal
The 12 cities claim the zero-bail schedule for nonviolent felonies and misdemeanors will result in a “significant increase in criminals released back into the community”
Fires are not uncommon as smoke detectors, sprinklers are lacking inside the Men’s Central Jail
The suspect ambushed the deputies while they were sitting in a cruiser and shot both deputies at point-blank range before running away
The Hennepin County attorney’s interpretation of the student restraint law “puts us back to where we were roughly two weeks ago, Minn. Chiefs of Police Association Executive Director Jeff Potts said
The NYPD holds that even though he was cleared of spying, Baimadajie Angwang should be fired for insubordination after failing to show up to an internal affairs interrogation
The law makes public possession a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail for the first two offenses and up to a year for additional offenses
“Our message for our officers is, ‘Take your time. Slow down and make sure that you’re complying with the law,’” Lockport Police Deputy Chief Ron Huff said
HPD officers will no longer pursue drivers suspected of Class C offenses, including minor traffic violations and theft, according to the new policy
Judge Urias said he agreed with plaintiffs who accused the governor of impeding on constitutional rights
The new policy also requires departments with extra ammunition to hand it over to the Sheriff’s Department for use in training
The judge freed the department from federal oversight in a move he called “the end of the beginning” of Seattle police reform
The new response system will minimize police presence at protests and enforce de-escalation methods before increasing response, unless public safety is at risk
Law enforcement offices that serve rural counties can receive funds to raise pay, hire new officers and buy new equipment