Fact Sheet: Expanding the Public Safety Workforce Fact SheetOctober 29, 2025 Fact Sheet: Expanding the Public Safety Workforce Cities across the country are investing in safety by incorporating specially trained professionals such as community responders and community violence intervention professionals into their local public safety workforces. Oct 29, 2025 Allie Preston, Rachael Eisenberg, Kirby Gaherty
Expanding the Public Safety Workforce ReportSeptember 26, 2025 Expanding the Public Safety Workforce Cities across the country are exploring innovative ways to incorporate new professionals, such as community responders and community violence intervention professionals, into their existing public safety workforces to improve outcomes for communities. Sep 26, 2025 Allie Preston, Rachael Eisenberg, Kirby Gaherty
Masked and Unidentifiable: The Risks of Federal Law Enforcement Operating Without Identification ReportAugust 28, 2025 Masked and Unidentifiable: The Risks of Federal Law Enforcement Operating Without Identification Since taking office, the Trump administration has undermined public safety and law enforcement accountability by supporting the dangerous practice of obscuring the identity of ICE and other federal officers. Aug 28, 2025 Allie Preston
President Trump’s Recent Actions in Washington, D.C., Are an Abuse of Power and Threaten Public Safety for All ArticleAugust 18, 2025 President Trump’s Recent Actions in Washington, D.C., Are an Abuse of Power and Threaten Public Safety for All Authorizing the deployment of National Guard troops and federalizing the local police force are dangerous political theatrics that threaten democracy nationwide. Aug 18, 2025 Rachael Eisenberg, Dan Herman, Allie Preston, 1 More Michael Sozan
Point: America’s Law-and-Order Problem Is Donald Trump In the NewsJune 13, 2025 Point: America’s Law-and-Order Problem Is Donald Trump In an op-ed published by Inside Sources, Damian Murphy argues that President Donald Trump's deployment of federal forces against protestors mirrors the actions of authoritarian regimes around the world. Jun 13, 2025 Inside Sources Damian Murphy
COVID-19’s Impact on Gun Violence in America ReportMarch 13, 2025 COVID-19’s Impact on Gun Violence in America Five years since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, there are several theories surrounding why gun violence spiked in the United States during the pandemic’s first year. Mar 13, 2025 Chandler Hall
The Recovery From COVID-19 Pandemic Gun Violence In the NewsJanuary 23, 2025 The Recovery From COVID-19 Pandemic Gun Violence In an article published by Vital City, Chandler Hall and Nick Wilson from the Center for American Progress along with Alex R. Piquero explain trends in gun violence in U.S. cities since the COVID-19 pandemic. Jan 23, 2025 Vital City Alex R. Piquero, Chandler Hall, Nick Wilson
Gun Violence Trends in US Cities During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic In the NewsJanuary 16, 2025 Gun Violence Trends in US Cities During the Early Phase of the COVID-19 Pandemic In a research letter published in JAMA Network Open, Chandler Hall and Nick Wilson of the Center for American Progress, along with Alex R. Piquero, examine whether there was variation in gun violence trends in U.S. cities during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jan 16, 2025 JAMA Network Open Chandler Hall, Nick Wilson, Alex R. Piquero
6 Ways Cities and Counties Can Reduce Gun Violence ReportOctober 21, 2024 6 Ways Cities and Counties Can Reduce Gun Violence Cities and counties across the country are taking meaningful steps toward reducing gun violence by implementing a set of accountability and prevention strategies capable of healing communities while breaking cycles of violence. Oct 21, 2024 Allison Jordan
In Wake Of Tyre Nichols Verdict, States And Localities Must Act To End Racialized Violence During Traffic Stops In the NewsOctober 4, 2024 In Wake Of Tyre Nichols Verdict, States And Localities Must Act To End Racialized Violence During Traffic Stops In an op-ed published by Talking Points Memo, Rachael Eisenberg and William Roberts emphasize the need for systemic justice to curb racialized police violence during traffic stops. Oct 4, 2024 Talking Points Memo Rachael Eisenberg, William Roberts
Prosecutors Improving Safety Through More Effective Accountability VideoSeptember 30, 2024 Prosecutors Improving Safety Through More Effective Accountability Ramsey County District Attorney John Choi describes how his office is collaborating with law enforcement and community members to improve public safety. Sep 30, 2024 Lindsey McLendon, Rachael Eisenberg, Hai-Lam Phan, 1 More Toni Pandolfo
Progressive Prosecutors Were Not Responsible for Increases in Violent or Property Crime Before, During, or After the COVID-19 Pandemic ArticleSeptember 30, 2024 Progressive Prosecutors Were Not Responsible for Increases in Violent or Property Crime Before, During, or After the COVID-19 Pandemic A newly released report finds no evidence that prosecutors of any type are responsible for increases in crimes in their jurisdictions, concluding instead that hyperlocal social, environmental, and economic conditions are much more likely to drive crime trends. Sep 30, 2024 Lindsey McLendon
East Baton Rouge Parish Puts Peace Over Everything When Improving Public Safety VideoSeptember 27, 2024 East Baton Rouge Parish Puts Peace Over Everything When Improving Public Safety Leaders in East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana, are working together with community partners to take an ecosystem approach to addressing violence and make their community safer. Sep 27, 2024 Rachael Eisenberg, Arnitta R. Holliman, Matthew Gossage, 1 More Hai-Lam Phan
Sonya Massey’s Memory Should Spur Federal Action To Meaningfully Change Policing ArticleJuly 31, 2024 Sonya Massey’s Memory Should Spur Federal Action To Meaningfully Change Policing The killing of Sonya Massey at the hands of police should motivate federal policymakers to finally take action that will create real accountability and deliver lasting safety for people of color. Jul 31, 2024 Rachael Eisenberg
Project 2025 Would End DHS Law Enforcement Training ArticleJuly 22, 2024 Project 2025 Would End DHS Law Enforcement Training The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers would be collateral damage in Project 2025’s proposed dismantling of the Department of Homeland Security. Jul 22, 2024 Tom Moore
Improving Safety Through Better Accountability and Prevention: Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson VideoMay 16, 2024 Improving Safety Through Better Accountability and Prevention: Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson describes the city’s approach to crime reduction and public safety. May 16, 2024 Lindsey McLendon, Jerry Parshall, Matthew Gossage, 2 More Toni Pandolfo, Hai-Lam Phan
Executive Summary: Improving Public Safety Through Better Accountability and Prevention Fact SheetMay 16, 2024 Executive Summary: Improving Public Safety Through Better Accountability and Prevention This fact sheet summarizes a Center for American Progress report highlighting ways to build lasting public safety through more effective and targeted accountability and greater investments in proven prevention strategies. May 16, 2024 Lindsey McLendon, Rachael Eisenberg, Nick Wilson
Improving Public Safety Through Better Accountability and Prevention ReportMay 16, 2024 Improving Public Safety Through Better Accountability and Prevention Improving public safety requires a comprehensive set of accountability and prevention strategies that seek to change behavior while addressing the conditions giving rise to crime. May 16, 2024 Lindsey McLendon, Rachael Eisenberg, Nick Wilson
4 Ways the Department of Transportation Can Combat Racially Biased Police Traffic Enforcement ArticleMarch 22, 2024 4 Ways the Department of Transportation Can Combat Racially Biased Police Traffic Enforcement The U.S. Department of Transportation has an opportunity to take swift and concrete steps to improve the physical and psychological safety of Black drivers on the nation’s roadways. Mar 22, 2024 Rachael Eisenberg, Daniel Bodah, Brandon Tucker, 1 More Brandon Tucker
2023 CAP IDEAS Conference Past EventOctober 25, 2023 2023 CAP IDEAS Conference Join the Center for American Progress as we celebrate 20 years of innovative policy solutions and look boldly forward to a progressive future. Oct 25, 2023
What Does Community Violence Intervention Mean? Hear From People on the Front Lines of Preventing Gun Violence VideoOctober 6, 2023 What Does Community Violence Intervention Mean? Hear From People on the Front Lines of Preventing Gun Violence Community violence intervention workers from across the United States explain and reflect on their work in preventing violence in their communities. Oct 6, 2023 Nick Wilson, Chandler Hall, Tymoni Correa-Buntley, 6 More Audrey Smith, Matthew Gossage, Ashley Joo, Hai-Lam Phan, Ronnie Rivera, Ala Al Sadi
Safe Streets for All: An Opportunity To Rethink Traffic Enforcement ArticleJune 14, 2023 Safe Streets for All: An Opportunity To Rethink Traffic Enforcement The Department of Transportation’s Safe Streets for All program can be leveraged to support community-level innovation in roadway safety efforts, including by rethinking traffic enforcement strategies to improve the physical and psychological safety of Black drivers and others on the road. Jun 14, 2023 Allie Preston
8 Ways To Reduce Gun Violence in Minnesota ReportJune 6, 2023 8 Ways To Reduce Gun Violence in Minnesota In Minnesota, violent crime is increasingly fueled by firearms, as the state lacks foundational gun control laws that would improve public safety and save lives. Jun 6, 2023 Allison Jordan
Opinion: Three Black leaders offer one practical solution to reduce police assaults on Black motorists In the NewsMarch 13, 2023 Opinion: Three Black leaders offer one practical solution to reduce police assaults on Black motorists Patrick Gaspard partners with Color of Change's Rashad Robinson and the Vera Institute of Justice's Nicholas Turner to discuss the dangers of traffic stops for Black motorists and to urge leaders at the federal, state, and local levels to seek solutions. Mar 13, 2023 CNN Patrick Gaspard, Rashad Robinson , Nicholas Turner
The Killing of Tyre Nichols Must Serve as a Catalyst to Root Out Racial Injustice in Policing ArticleFebruary 10, 2023 The Killing of Tyre Nichols Must Serve as a Catalyst to Root Out Racial Injustice in Policing The killing of Tyre Nichols at the hands of police in Memphis has focused the national attention on the dangers of driving while Black in America and the urgent need for police reform that fulfills the promise of public safety. Feb 10, 2023 Rachael Eisenberg, Brandon Tucker, Hadi Sedigh
A Minnesota Tribal College Teaches Law Enforcement in Effort To Put More Native Americans ‘Behind the Badge’ ArticleDecember 15, 2022 A Minnesota Tribal College Teaches Law Enforcement in Effort To Put More Native Americans ‘Behind the Badge’ In the second installment in a three-part series on Tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), the Center for American Progress and American Indian College Fund look at Leech Lake Tribal College’s law enforcement degree program and the college’s work on cultural revitalization and basic needs insecurity. Dec 15, 2022 Marcella Bombardieri, Dina M. Horwedel
ARPA Funds Continue To Support Community Safety Efforts Through Community Responder Programs ArticleOctober 12, 2022 ARPA Funds Continue To Support Community Safety Efforts Through Community Responder Programs With the help of funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, governments are expanding their public safety strategies to invest in community responder programs that reduce reliance on law enforcement and provide communities with meaningful emergency management support. Oct 12, 2022 Akua Amaning
Centering Youth in Community Violence Interventions as Part of a Comprehensive Approach to Countering Gun Violence ReportOctober 11, 2022 Centering Youth in Community Violence Interventions as Part of a Comprehensive Approach to Countering Gun Violence Community violence intervention programs are a critical part of a comprehensive approach to reduce the impact of rising gun violence on youth and in U.S. communities. Oct 11, 2022 Terrell Thomas, Rachael Eisenberg
Continuing Efforts To Slow Violent Crime ReportJuly 27, 2022 Continuing Efforts To Slow Violent Crime Houston, Boston, and Newark have improved public safety through violence prevention efforts outside traditional law enforcement. Jul 27, 2022 Rachael Eisenberg, Allie Preston
Weak Gun Laws Are Hurting Police Officers Fact SheetJune 27, 2022 Weak Gun Laws Are Hurting Police Officers Gun violence against police officers is a major problem in the United States, but elected officials are still adopting counterproductive measures opposed by law enforcement agencies. Jun 27, 2022 Nick Wilson, Eugenio Weigend Vargas
Don’t Blame Bail Reform for Gun Violence ArticleJune 23, 2022 Don’t Blame Bail Reform for Gun Violence There is no evidence linking bail reform to the rising rates of violent crime in the United States. Jun 23, 2022 Allie Preston, Rachael Eisenberg
The Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety Is a Foundation to Build Upon ArticleJune 1, 2022 The Executive Order on Advancing Effective, Accountable Policing and Criminal Justice Practices to Enhance Public Trust and Public Safety Is a Foundation to Build Upon Two years after the murder of George Floyd, the Biden administration released a police reform executive order containing policies that states and cities should build upon. Jun 1, 2022 Rachael Eisenberg, Nicole Lee Ndumele, Kate Kahan, 1 More Udi Ofer
How To Address Concerns About Data on Deaths in Custody ReportMay 24, 2021 How To Address Concerns About Data on Deaths in Custody With the U.S. Department of Justice beginning to collect data pursuant to the Death in Custody Reporting Act of 2013, Congress and state legislatures should take the initiative to ensure the dependability of the forthcoming data. May 24, 2021 Kenny Lo
5 Discussions That Shaped the Justice Reform Movement in 2020 ArticleMarch 18, 2021 5 Discussions That Shaped the Justice Reform Movement in 2020 While more must be done to shrink the footprint of the U.S. criminal justice system, the national dialogue around reform during summer 2020 has inspired transformative ideas and tangible policies that can be built on moving forward. Mar 18, 2021 Kenny Lo, Sarah Figgatt, Betsy Pearl, 1 More Chelsea Parsons
Introducing Community Responders: How To Dispatch the Right Response to Every 911 Call Fact SheetMarch 11, 2021 Introducing Community Responders: How To Dispatch the Right Response to Every 911 Call Civilian first responders are good for the public—and for the police. Mar 11, 2021 Betsy Pearl, Amos Irwin
Understanding the Policing of Black, Disabled Bodies ArticleFebruary 10, 2021 Understanding the Policing of Black, Disabled Bodies Current data collection on state violence does not paint a picture that is inclusive of victims with disabilities. Feb 10, 2021 Vilissa Thompson
Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice IssueNovember 1, 2021 Tackling Climate Change and Environmental Injustice We pursue climate action that meets the crisis’s urgency, creates good-quality jobs, benefits disadvantaged communities, and restores U.S. credibility on the global stage.
Strengthening Health IssueNovember 1, 2021 Strengthening Health We work to strengthen public health systems and improve health care coverage, access, and affordability.
Advancing Racial Equity and Justice IssueNovember 1, 2021 Advancing Racial Equity and Justice We apply a racial equity lens in developing and advancing policies that aim to root out entrenched systemic racism to ensure everyone has an opportunity to thrive.