Police use of force, violent crime data, Sen. Ron Johnson on national debt and more!
Police Use of Force: How Common Is It?
Police use of force has sparked an intense debate across America, including in our state Capitol. This policy brief answers a simple question: How common is police use of force in some of the larger police departments in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin classifies as violent more offenses than does the FBI
In 2019, roughly one-third of inmates sentenced to Wisconsin prisons committed what the Wisconsin Department of Corrections classifies as a "violent crime." The FBI would classify only 18% of those as "violent." Until we have better data on who is incarcerated in Wisconsin prisons and why, efforts to implement smart and safe reforms will be hamstrung.
Johnson: National debt is "immoral, inter-generational theft"
The United States' national debt is quickly approaching $27 trillion.The U.S. budget deficit just hit a record $3 trillion. Senior Vice President Michael Jahr spoke with U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson about why this is a cataclysmic problem for our country.
In July, Missouri joined agrowing number of states that have adopted universal licensing recognition laws that make it easier for people to work.
The measurepassed with bipartisan support. In this time of economic distress, Wisconsin policymakers should follow suit.
On Sept. 23, Missouri State Rep.Derek Grier(R-Chesterfield) and State Sen.Brian Williams (D-St. Louis) will join Badger Institute Policy Analyst Julie Gracefor a virtual discussion on how the reform bill benefits a range of workers and on the bipartisan efforts that led to its passage.
This week, Badger Institute Policy Analyst Julie Grace,Corrections Consultant Patrick Hughes and President Mike Nichols were interviewed on radio news/talk programs about the Badger Institute's corrections and criminal justice work. To listen to archived recordings of their interviews, click the links below.
- Listen to Grace's interview on DOC and FBI definitions of violent crime here. - Listen to Hughes' interview on police use of force in Wisconsin here. - Listen to Nichols' interview on police use of force in Wisconsin here.
We believe competitive free markets, limited government, private initiative and personal responsibility are essential to our democratic way of life. The Badger Institute is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization and does not receive government funding. Our work is funded solely through tax-deductible gifts from foundations, companies and individuals. We appreciate your support.