Police Reform
Follow the latest Police Reform news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
December 13, 2024 at 12:22 AM

Justice Department, Louisville have deal after probe prompted by Breonna Taylor death

The U.S. Justice Department and the city of Louisville have reached an agreement to reform the city’s police force after an investigation prompted by the fatal police shooting of Breonna Taylor
December 13, 2024 at 12:22 AM
Breonna Taylor's mother, Tamika Palmer, left, discusses the consent decree the U.S. Justice Department reached with the city of Louisville, Ky., on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024. (AP Photo/Dylan Lovan)
December 5, 2024 at 7:49 PM

DOJ finds Memphis Police Department linked to pattern of excessive force 

US Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said, "The city and police department can and must correct these issues."
December 5, 2024 at 7:49 PM
DOJ finds Memphis Police Department linked to pattern of excessive force 
December 5, 2024 at 4:05 PM

Memphis Police Department linked to pattern of excessive force: DOJ

A Department of Justice investigation found the police department's practices in violation of the U.S. Constitution.
December 5, 2024 at 4:05 PM
A Memphis police car parked in Memphis, Tenn., Aug. 5, 2013.
November 26, 2024 at 10:49 PM

Judge says Ralph Yarl shooting suspect is fit to stand trial after mental exam

A judge ruled that Andrew Lester, who is charged in the shooting of Ralph Yarl after the teenager mistakenly went to the wrong house, is fit to stand trial.
November 26, 2024 at 10:49 PM
Ralph Yarl
2 months ago

Phoenix police officers punch, shock deaf Black man with cerebral palsy

A disabled Black man in Arizona faces multiple charges after a pair of Phoenix police officers punched him and shocked him with a stun gun.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Police officers repeatedly punch, taser deaf black man with cerebral palsy
2 months ago

Verdicts reached for ex-Memphis officers charged in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols

A federal civil rights trial against three former Memphis police officers charged with violations surrounding the beating death of Tyre Nichols has concluded with a jury reaching a mixed verdict.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Verdicts reached for 3 former Memphis officers charged in fatal beating of Tyre Nichols
2 months ago

Closing arguments in trial of former officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death

Prosecutors and the defense make their closing arguments in the trial of three former Memphis police officers charged in the January 2023 beating death of Tyre Nichols.
2 months ago
Closing arguments in trial of former officers charged in Tyre Nichols’ death
3 months ago

Officer placed on leave following Tyreek Hill arrest

The Miami Dolphins wide receiver was handcuffed and placed face down on a street after he was cited for reckless driving and driving without a license hours before Sunday's season opener.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Officer placed on leave following Tyreek Hill arrest
3 months ago

New video shows officers helping Sonya Massey

Her mother called 911 to report Massey was having a mental breakdown.
3 months ago
VIDEO: New video shows officers helping Sonya Massey
4 months ago

Ex-deputy charged in Massey killing faced misconduct claim in 2022 arrest

A former female detainee complained former Illinois deputy Sean Grayson, who fatally shot Sonya Massey, for inappropriate conduct after he arrested her in 2022.
4 months ago
Sean Grayson fatally shot Sonya Massey while responding to her 911 call for help.
4 months ago

Police reform only leads to more policing, author says

ABC News' Linsey Davis speaks with scholar, professor and writer Philip V. McHarris about his new book, “Beyond Policing.”
4 months ago
VIDEO: Philip V. McHarris on alternative models to policing in the US
4 months ago

Audio reveals chief deputy scolding deputy involved in Sonya Massey police killing

A chief deputy is heard in a 2022 recording questioning former deputy Sean Grayson, who was involved in the killing of Massey, about his mishandling of a traffic case.
4 months ago
VIDEO: Audio reveals chief deputy scolding deputy involved in Sonya Massey police killing
4 months ago

'We failed,' Illinois sheriff says about fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey

The Sangamon County Sheriff's Office sheriff said on Monday night that the department had "failed" Sonya Massey after she was killed in her home by an officer.
4 months ago
VIDEO: 'We failed,' Illinois sheriff says about fatal police shooting of Sonya Massey
4 months ago

IL sheriff says 'no excuses' for Sonya Massey shooting

Sonya Massey was killed by a police deputy after calling 911 about a possible intruder. ABC News' Alex Perez joins the show to discuss more about the incident and the police and community's response.
4 months ago
VIDEO: IL sheriff says 'no excuses' for Sonya Massey shooting
5 months ago

Police reform advocate reacts to missteps in fatal shooting

ABC News’ Linsey Davis speaks with the founder of a police reform advocacy group about how better training might have prevented the death of 36-year-old Sonya Massey after she reported a prowler.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Police reform advocate reacts to missteps in fatal shooting
5 months ago

Delaware police allegedly assault woman during traffic stop

Body-worn camera footage shows officers punching her multiple times.
5 months ago
Delaware police allegedly assault woman during traffic stop
6 months ago

Phoenix Police Department engaged in civil rights violations, DOJ finds

The Department of Justice found a spate of civil rights violations, including "unjustified deadly force," in a new report.
6 months ago
The Department  of Justice found a spate of civil rights violations, including "unjustified deadly force," in a new report.
6 months ago

Justice Department finds civil rights violations in Phoenix Police Department

The DOJ found “systematic problems;” finding officers used deadly force too often.
6 months ago
VIDEO: Justice Department finds civil rights violations in Phoenix Police Department
6 months ago

Phoenix Police Department engaged in civil rights violations, DOJ finds

The violations included "unjustified deadly force," the DOJ said.
6 months ago
In this March 18, 2014, file photo, a police car blocks an avenue in downtown Phoenix.
6 months ago

Why more police departments are training officers in crisis intervention

Alternative crisis response that excludes police is the long-term goal to address mental health crises, according to one mental health advocate.
6 months ago
Images of Angelo Quinto are displayed at his family's home in Antioch, Calif., March 16, 2021. Quinto died three days after being restrained on Dec. 23, 2020, in police custody while having a mental health crisis.
7 months ago

Officer disciplined for no body-worn camera footage in Scheffler arrest: Police

A police officer in Louisville, Kentucky, violated department policy by not turning on his body-worn camera during a traffic incident involving golf star Scottie Scheffler.
7 months ago
VIDEO: Officer disciplined for no body-worn camera footage in Scheffler arrest: Police
7 months ago

‘Power’ documentary tackles the depths of police power in American history

ABC News’ Linsey Davis spoke with director and producer Yance Ford to discuss their curiosity and deep investigation on the history of police brutality in America.
7 months ago
VIDEO: ‘Power’ documentary tackles the depths of police power in American history
7 months ago

Albuquerque Police Department officially met reform requirement

Albuquerque Police Department officially meets reform requirement after DOJ investigation.
7 months ago
Albuquerque police cordon off streets near a protest that blocked one of the main gates to Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, New Mexico, May 2, 2024.
7 months ago

Albuquerque Police Department officially meets reform requirement

The department was put on notice nine years ago.
7 months ago
The department was put on notice nine years ago.
7 months ago

GOP leaders praise removal of GWU encampment as protesters decry police tactics

D.C. police's early morning clash with protesters encamped on George Washington University was applauded by Republican lawmakers who pressured D.C.'s mayor for action.
7 months ago
Officers of the Metropolitan Police Department pepper spray demonstrators at George Washington University in Washington, DC, May 8, 2024.
7 months ago

DA apologizes after cursing at officers during traffic stop

Monroe County, New York District Attorney Sandra Doorley apologized after body camera video showed her cursing at an officer who tried to give her a speeding ticket.
7 months ago
VIDEO: DA apologizes after cursing at officers during traffic stop
8 months ago

Body camera footage released in man's death following confrontation with police

Footage released by Ohio investigators shows officers placing their knees on the back of Frank Tyson while they were attempting to handcuff him.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Body camera footage released in man's death following confrontation with police
8 months ago

One mom’s motivation to end police violence in the Black community

Tansy McNulty quit her corporate job to form an organization of mothers fighting for safer communities by preventing tragedy and promoting effective mental health crisis response.
8 months ago
VIDEO: One mom’s motivation to end police violence in the Black community
8 months ago

Questions arise after video from 2022 deputy shooting released

The video shows 15-year-old Savannah Graziano was unarmed, and when she was shot and killed in deputy crossfire.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Questions arise after video from 2022 deputy shooting released
9 months ago

4th white Mississippi officer sentenced to 40 years for torture of 2 Black men

Sentencing resumed in Jackson, Mississippi, for a group of six white former law enforcement officers who pleaded guilty to torture and assault of two Black men.
9 months ago
Sentencing resumed in Jackson, Mississippi, for a group of six white former law enforcement officers who pleaded guilty to torture and assault of two Black men.
9 months ago

Ex-deputies sentenced for torturing Black men

Former Mississippi sheriff's deputies Hunter Elward and Jeffrey Middleton were sentenced after they pleaded guilty to torturing Eddie Parker and Michael Jenkins in 2023.
9 months ago
VIDEO: Ex-deputies sentenced for torturing Black men
9 months ago

Former Mississippi officer sentenced after pleading guilty to torture of Black men

Former Mississippi deputy Hunter Elward was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday after pleading guilty, along with five other former officers, to charges related to the torture of two Black men.
9 months ago
Former Mississippi deputy Hunter Elward was sentenced in federal court on Tuesday after pleading guilty, along with five other former officers, to charges related to the torture of two Black men.
9 months ago

Sentencing begins in Mississippi police brutality case

The first of six white Mississippi law enforcement officers involved in the beating and sexual assault of two Black men was sentenced Tuesdayto just over 20 years in prison.
9 months ago
VIDEO: Sentencing begins in Mississippi police brutality case
1 year ago

NYC Mayor Eric Adams vetoes solitary confinement ban, police transparency bill

Mayor Eric Adams has vetoed a ban on solitary confinement in city jails that was overwhelmingly passed by the city council.
1 year ago
A cell block is seen at Rikers Island Correctional Center in the East River on March 9, 2021 in New York City.
1 year ago

Illinois teenager tased after being confused for suspect

ABC News’ Linsey Davis spoke with Sonia Pruitt, founder of The Black Police Experience, about her reaction to the newly-released video of an autistic teenager being tased by officers.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Illinois teenager tased after being confused for suspect
1 year ago

Teen with autism tased by police in what family says was case of mistaken identity

An Illinois family said they are still reeling after their 14-year-old son who has autism was tased by police in what they contend was a case of mistaken identity.
1 year ago
Body-camera footage shows a Dolton police officer using a stun gun on 14-year-old Avarius Thompson.
1 year ago

Family speaks out after teen with autism tased by police

Body camera footage of the November incident between the Illinois officers and the 14-year-old who was mistaken for a suspect was obtained by ABC station WLS.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Family speaks out after teen with autism tased by police
1 year ago

'Traumatized': Man speaks out after arrest by Alabama police officer goes viral

An Alabama police officer was placed on leave after her arrest of a Black man on Dec. 2 went viral after a video was posted on social media.
1 year ago
Micah Washington in a handout photo.
1 year ago

Authorities release body camera video of deadly confrontation in Atlanta

A deacon died after being tased by a police officer following a traffic accident.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Authorities release body camera video of deadly confrontation in Atlanta
1 year ago

NY Court of Appeals upholds ban on police chokeholds

The court rejected police unions' assertions that the ban was “unconstitutionally vague.”
1 year ago
The court rejected police unions' assertions that the ban was “unconstitutionally vague.”
1 year ago

2 Kenosha police officers suspended after violent arrest

Newly released video allegedly shows the officers repeatedly punching and tackling a man to the ground as he held an infant in his arms.
1 year ago
VIDEO: 2 Kenosha police officers suspended after violent arrest
1 year ago

DOJ opens investigation into Lexington, Mississippi police department

The Justice Department announced Wednesday it has opened a civil investigation into the City of Lexington, Mississippi, and its police department.
1 year ago
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division announces at a news conference, on Nov. 8, 2023, in Jackson, Miss., that it has opened an investigation into the City of Lexington, Miss., and the Lexington Police Department, focusing on the police department's use of force and its stops, searches and arrests. U.S. Attorney Todd W. Gee, for the Southern District of Mississippi, right, listens.
1 year ago

San Jose police officer resigns after 'disgusting' racist text messages released

San Jose officer resigned after police released racist text messages where he referenced a 2022 incident in which he shot a 20-year-old Black college student.
1 year ago
Mark McNamara shot K'aun Green four times in a March 2022 incident.
1 year ago

Officer released from San Jose Police Department

Authorities released a 10-page documentation of racial remarks allegedly made by Mark McNamara.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Officer released from San Jose Police Department
1 year ago

Former Memphis police officer pleads guilty for role in Tyre Nichols death

Desmond Mills plead guilty in federal court for his role in the beating that killed Tyre Nichols.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Former Memphis police officer pleads guilty for role in Tyre Nichols death
1 year ago

Cop charged with assault and cruelty

A Naugatuck, Connecticut, police officer was arrested after an investigation into the use of force after he deployed a taser three times on a robbery suspect.
1 year ago
A Naugatuck, Connecticut, police officer was arrested after an investigation into the use of force after he deployed a taser three times on a robbery suspect.
1 year ago

Family calls for justice after man struck by police car, buried without notice

The family of Dexter Wade is calling for justice after he was allegedly fatally struck by a Jackson Police Department car in March and later buried in a potter's field.
1 year ago
Stock photo of police car.
1 year ago

Family of man fatally struck by police cruiser calls for justice

Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family of Dexter Wade held a news conference on Monday.
1 year ago
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family of Dexter Wade held a news conference on Monday.
1 year ago

Retired NYPD lieutenant pulls back the curtain on problems with policing

ABC News’ Brian Buckmire spoke with retired NYPD Lieutenant Edwin Raymond about his new book “An Inconvenient Cop: My Fight to Change Policing in America.”
1 year ago
VIDEO: Retired NYPD lieutenant pulls back the curtain on problems with policing
1 year ago

What to know about the state trooper accused of 'brutally assaulting' a 15-year-old

A Delaware state trooper is facing felony charges for "brutally assaulting" a 15-year-old and fracturing his orbital socket in response to an apparent doorbell prank.
1 year ago
Bodycam footage shows an incident involving a Delaware State trooper and a 15-year-old boy after a prank, Aug. 21, 2023.