Police Reform
Follow the latest Police Reform news, videos, and analysis from ABC News.
June 21, 2024 at 4:42 AM

Seattle police officer fired for off-duty racist comments

A Seattle police officer has been fired for calling his Chinese American neighbor racist and sexist slurs while off duty in 2022
June 21, 2024 at 4:42 AM
FILE - A Seattle Police Department vehicle sits parked at Hing Hay Park in the heart of Seattle's Chinatown-International District, March 18, 2021, as a community response unit of officers began their shift. A Seattle police officer was fired for calling his Chinese American neighbor racist and sexist slurs while off duty in 2022, according to a news report. Officer Burton Hill was fired in May, 2024, The Seattle Times reported. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren, File)
June 14, 2024 at 7:38 PM

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.
June 14, 2024 at 7:38 PM
The Department  of Justice found a spate of civil rights violations, including "unjustified deadly force," in a new report.
June 14, 2024 at 2:47 PM

Justice Department finds civil rights violations in Phoenix Police Department

The DOJ found “systematic problems;” finding officers used deadly force too often.
June 14, 2024 at 2:47 PM
VIDEO: Justice Department finds civil rights violations in Phoenix Police Department
June 13, 2024 at 10:37 PM

Phoenix Police Department engaged in civil rights violations, DOJ finds

The violations included "unjustified deadly force," the DOJ said.
June 13, 2024 at 10:37 PM
In this March 18, 2014, file photo, a police car blocks an avenue in downtown Phoenix.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
1 month 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.
1 month ago
VIDEO: Officer disciplined for no body-worn camera footage in Scheffler arrest: Police
1 month 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.
1 month ago
VIDEO: ‘Power’ documentary tackles the depths of police power in American history
2 months ago

Albuquerque Police Department officially met reform requirement

Albuquerque Police Department officially meets reform requirement after DOJ investigation.
2 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.
2 months ago

Albuquerque Police Department officially meets reform requirement

The department was put on notice nine years ago.
2 months ago
The department was put on notice nine years ago.
2 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.
2 months ago
Officers of the Metropolitan Police Department pepper spray demonstrators at George Washington University in Washington, DC, May 8, 2024.
2 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.
2 months ago
VIDEO: DA apologizes after cursing at officers during traffic stop
2 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.
2 months ago
VIDEO: Body camera footage released in man's death following confrontation with police
3 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.
3 months ago
VIDEO: One mom’s motivation to end police violence in the Black community
3 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.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Questions arise after video from 2022 deputy shooting released
3 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.
3 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.
3 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.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Ex-deputies sentenced for torturing Black men
3 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.
3 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.
3 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.
3 months ago
VIDEO: Sentencing begins in Mississippi police brutality case
5 months 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.
5 months ago
A cell block is seen at Rikers Island Correctional Center in the East River on March 9, 2021 in New York City.
5 months 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.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Illinois teenager tased after being confused for suspect
5 months 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.
5 months ago
Body-camera footage shows a Dolton police officer using a stun gun on 14-year-old Avarius Thompson.
5 months 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.
5 months ago
VIDEO: Family speaks out after teen with autism tased by police
7 months 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.
7 months ago
Micah Washington in a handout photo.
7 months 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.
7 months ago
VIDEO: Authorities release body camera video of deadly confrontation in Atlanta
7 months ago

NY Court of Appeals upholds ban on police chokeholds

The court rejected police unions' assertions that the ban was “unconstitutionally vague.”
7 months ago
The court rejected police unions' assertions that the ban was “unconstitutionally vague.”
7 months 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.
7 months ago
VIDEO: 2 Kenosha police officers suspended after violent arrest
8 months 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.
8 months 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.
8 months 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.
8 months ago
Mark McNamara shot K'aun Green four times in a March 2022 incident.
8 months ago

Officer released from San Jose Police Department

Authorities released a 10-page documentation of racial remarks allegedly made by Mark McNamara.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Officer released from San Jose Police Department
8 months 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.
8 months ago
VIDEO: Former Memphis police officer pleads guilty for role in Tyre Nichols death
8 months 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.
8 months 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.
8 months 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.
8 months ago
Stock photo of police car.
8 months 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.
8 months ago
Civil rights attorney Ben Crump and the family of Dexter Wade held a news conference on Monday.
8 months 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.”
8 months ago
VIDEO: Retired NYPD lieutenant pulls back the curtain on problems with policing
9 months 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.
9 months ago
Bodycam footage shows an incident involving a Delaware State trooper and a 15-year-old boy after a prank, Aug. 21, 2023.
9 months ago

Body camera shows Delaware state trooper attack teens

A grand jury has indicted the trooper for felony assault and other charges after he allegedly attacked two teenagers who rang the trooper's doorbell and ran away.
9 months ago
VIDEO: Body camera shows Delaware state trooper attack teens
9 months ago

FBI launches probe into police department over abuse allegations

Federal authorities are investigating the Baton Rouge Police Department following allegations that some officers "abused their authority," the FBI announced.
9 months ago
In this image from Baton Rouge Police Department body camera video, officers interact with Jeremy Lee inside a warehouse in Baton Rouge, on Jan. 9, 2023.
9 months ago

Baton Rouge Police accused of abusing detainees in warehouse

The FBI is investigating reports that the city's police officers took detainees to a warehouse and beat them.
9 months ago
VIDEO: Baton Rouge Police accused of abusing detainees in warehouse
9 months ago

Officer who tased band leader worried incident would fuel mistrust in police: Video

New body camera video shows a conversation between Minor high School band director Johnny Mims and a Birmingham Police Department (BPD) officer who shocked him.
9 months ago
The Birmingham Police Department released body camera footage from the arrest of Minor High School band director Johnny Mims that occurred on Sept. 14, 2023 in Birmingham, Ala.
9 months ago

Trial begins for officers charged in Elijah McClain’s death

The two officers charged in connection with the 2019 death of Elijah McClain appeared in court on Thursday.
9 months ago
VIDEO: Trial begins for officers charged in Elijah McClain’s death
9 months ago

Band director tased by police says he 'was just trying to do my job'

Johnny Mims was tased by a Birmingham Police Department officer after he refused to stop his band performance and leave the stadium after a game last week.
9 months ago
Johnny Mims was tased by a Birmingham Police Department officer after he refused to stop his band performance and leave the stadium after a game last week.
9 months ago

Band director arrested after high school football game speaks out

Johnny Mims was tased at least three times by a Birmingham Police Department officer after he refused orders to cut Minor High School’s band performance and leave the stadium after a game last week.
9 months ago
VIDEO: Band director arrested after high school football game speaks out
9 months ago

Police use stun gun on Alabama band director

Minor High School’s band director Johnny Mims has been charged with disorderly conduct, harassment and resisting arrest.
9 months ago
Minor High School’s band director Johnny Mims has been charged with disorderly conduct, harassment and resisting arrest.
9 months ago

High school band director shocked with stun gun after football game

An Alabama high school band director was shocked with a stun gun after officers say he refused to comply with orders and resisted arrest.
9 months ago
VIDEO: High school band director shocked with stun gun after football game
9 months ago

Seattle police launch probe of cop heard laughing at dead woman

Body camera video captured Officer Dan Auderer on the phone laughing at the fatal police-involved collision that killed grad student Jaahnavi Kandula.
9 months ago
VIDEO: Seattle police launch probe of cop heard laughing at dead woman
9 months ago

Family of grad student killed by police cruiser speaks out after outrage grows

Jaahnavi Kandula died after she was struck by a Seattle police officer in January. On Monday, SPD released body cam video of an officer seemingly joking about her death
9 months ago
"Jaahnavi Kandula was a brilliant student with a promising future," Kandula's family said to ABC News in a statement.
10 months ago

Police officer caught on bodycam laughing after collision that killed grad student

Newly released bodycam by the Seattle Police Department shows officers discussing an incident where a graduate student was struck and killed by a police car.
10 months ago
Newly released bodycam by the Seattle Police Department shows officers discussing an incident where a graduate student was struck and killed by a police car.
10 months ago

Philadelphia police officer suspended after fatal shooting of Eddie Irizarry

The city's police commissioner said she intends to fire the officer at the end of the suspension.
10 months ago
The city's police commissioner said she intends to fire the officer at the end of the suspension.
1 year ago

Growing outrage after Michigan police detain child taking out trash

A 12-year-old boy was handcuffed and detained after Lansing police mistook him for a car thief suspect.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Growing outrage after Michigan police detain child taking out trash
1 year ago

Police: A ‘mistake’ to pull over, draw guns on family

New Police body camera video shows a Texas police officer admit to running an Arkansas family’s license plate incorrectly.
1 year ago
VIDEO: Police: A ‘mistake’ to pull over, draw guns on family