First Appearance | March 2026

First Appearance | March 2026

Summer Jobs Can Help Kids and Make Communities Safer

Lifeguard, camp counselor, waitstaff-everyone remembers their first job. "I worked as a summer youth advisor for the city and county of Honolulu and worked at Anna Miller's Restaurant as a busboy and dishwasher," Hawaii Sen. Brandon Elefante (D) says. Oregon Sen. Floyd Prozanski (D) worked at a local burger joint when he was 15, with his parents' approval. Employment programs can boost high school graduation rates and reduce crime by giving young people mentoring, an income and job-readiness skills.

Law Enforcement Stop Data Collection

Description: Nearly half of the states require or authorize law enforcement to collect data about stops, including pedestrian and traffic stops. Data collected varies, but generally includes the reason for the stop and outcomes of the stop, including a warning, arrest, or if a search was conducted. Most laws also address collection of demographic information, including gender, age, and perceived race or ethnicity.

New Programs Improve Traffic Stop Safety for Drivers with Disabilities

To make traffic stops safer for law enforcement officers and drivers, localities and states are adopting enhanced communication strategies, including envelopes and colored-dot programs. Thirteen states and many local law enforcement agencies have adopted blue envelope programs or similar initiatives to help reduce misunderstandings.

In the News

• Sixth Amendment Center | Oregon Supreme Court Provides Relief to Unrepresented Defendants
• Stateline | Criminal Justice is a Top Issue in State Legislatures This Year
• Arnold Ventures | Arnold Ventures Commends the Alabama Legislature and Gov. Kay Ivey for Taking Action to Improve Violent Crime Clearance Rates
• PRA Inc. | From Planning to Practice: Insights From a Survey of Crisis Stabilization Centers - 2026 Update

Upcoming Event

The Urban Institute is hosting a webinar focused on addressing jail use through prompt case resolution on Thursday, March 12, at 2:30 p.m. EST. To learn more about lessons learned from local jurisdictions,  register for the webinar here.