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.
ICE officials have defended the practice of officers wearing masks, saying immigration agents have faced harassment as they have gone about their enforcement
The county blocked delivery of key rescue equipment to Spokane after accusing the city of ending emergency preparedness agreements
Two of three judges agreed the law “meaningfully constrains” the constitutional right to keep arms by forcing gun owners to get rechecked before each purchase of bullets
The bill would prevent officers from pulling over motorists for reasons such as driving with an expired registration sticker, various equipment failures and driving without a seat belt
Cellphone carriers are now required to send first responders based on the location of the caller, rather than the nearest cell tower
The new law requires solitary confinement to “only be used as a last resort, in the least restrictive manner and for the shortest period of time safely possible”
The Chula Vista PD was taken to court after it withheld all drone footage under a California Public Record Act exemption that allows investigative material to remain confidential
Police Chief Brian Chaney stated the department “has decided to temporarily focus our priorities on suspects who we believe to be involved in dangerous and violent felony offenses”
Several northeast Ohio departments will continue to screen for marijuana, as the law permits employers to bar applicants who use it
The 2022 shooting left both officers wounded; one has not returned to police work
The lawsuit was filed by three academy graduates from 2017 and 2018 on behalf of their whole classes
A change in Washington state law now requires the bailiffs to have an active commission through the state Criminal Justice Training Commission and to pass a background check
The move follows the quiet release of a convicted murderer more than a decade before the end of his sentence when a state judge approved a court order right before he retired
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
