Story perspectives

34 Deaths Spark New Jersey's Police Accountability Push

8/21/2025

Summary

Story summary

New Jersey's Use of Force Dashboard shows 34 deaths linked to police actions over five years, often involving mental health crises.
The "Arrive Together" program received $20 million to pair mental health professionals with police for better crisis responses.
Jacksonville's Officer Bowers faced scrutiny for using force without proper reporting during a traffic stop.
A viral video of a South Bend officer restraining a 14-year-old girl has prompted internal investigations.
Savannah police are reviewing an arrest involving a suspect with a stolen firearm, focusing on accountability in use-of-force cases.

History

Historical Context

In 2015, the U.S. Department of Justice initiated the "21st Century Policing" program to enhance police-community relations, emphasizing mental health training. This led to New Jersey's "Arrive Together" program, which received $20 million to improve crisis response. Ongoing scrutiny of officers, like Jacksonville's Officer Bowers, underscores the critical need for accountability in law enforcement practices, aiming to reduce fatalities linked to police actions.

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Story summary

New Jersey's Use of Force Dashboard shows 34 deaths linked to police actions over five years, often involving mental health crises.
The "Arrive Together" program received $20 million to pair mental health professionals with police for better crisis responses.
Jacksonville's Officer Bowers faced scrutiny for using force without proper reporting during a traffic stop.
A viral video of a South Bend officer restraining a 14-year-old girl has prompted internal investigations.
Savannah police are reviewing an arrest involving a suspect with a stolen firearm, focusing on accountability in use-of-force cases.

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