law enforcement

A person in formal attire speaks at a podium with a microphone, set against a blue curtain backdrop. An American flag is partially visible on the left side of the image.

Justice

5 things to know about California’s backlog of police shooting investigations

Investigations in to fatal shootings by California police take so long that officers often cannot be decertified or charged with most crimes.

By Nigel Duara • June 12, 2026

A person with grey hair wearing a white flannel shirt holds up a wooden framed photo of a person to their chest with both hands. In the background is a row of trees by a dirty lot with clouds overhead and parts of blue sky peaking through the break in clouds.

Justice

How a George Floyd-inspired California law accidentally weakened police accountability

Investigations into fatal shootings by California police now take so long that officers often can't be decertified or prosecuted, a CalMatters investigation shows.

By Nigel Duara and Natasha Uzcátegui-Liggett • June 10, 2026

An unidentifiable person wearing a black suit stands in front of a desk inside a courtroom facing a judge's bench. Another person, wearing an orange jumpsuit and with chains around their wait and hands, can be seen in the background.

Justice

Has psychiatric care become a get-out-of-jail-free card in California? The debate is heating up

Californians accused of crimes can receive mental health treatment rather than prison time under a 2018 law. Lawmakers are revamping the rules following reports of violent offenses.

By Gagandeep Singh • May 13, 2026

A blue jacket labeled “CDC PRISONER” in large yellow letters is draped over the back of a folding chair in a dimly lit gymnasium. Rows of empty and occupied chairs are visible, suggesting a group event or meeting in a correctional facility.

Commentary

California’s parole process is already arduous; be careful how you change it

As lawmakers weigh changing elderly parole, a retired parole board officer notes that only 3% of parolees have committed crimes upon release.

By Jennifer Shaffer • May 4, 2026

Justice

A $7 cheeseburger reopened debate over bail in California. Here’s what the Supreme Court found

A homeless man was arrested after using stolen credit cards to buy a meal and then spent six months in a Bay Area jail. His case triggered a debate over expensive bail.

By Nigel Duara • April 30, 2026

A group of heavily armed federal agents in full tactical gear emerge from the back of an armored vehicle labeled “LENCO ARMORED VEHICLES” on a sunlit urban street. Most wear camouflage fatigues, body armor, helmets, and goggles, with visible patches reading “POLICE” and insignias from U.S. Border Patrol and Homeland Security. Some agents carry rifles and one has zip cuffs and canisters clipped to their vest. A media photographer in a press vest films nearby. Palm trees and a clear blue sky suggest a Southern California location.

Justice

9th Circuit blocks California limits on anonymous immigration agents

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals sided with the Trump administration in striking down a California requirement that immigration agents show visible identification while on duty.

By Nigel Duara • April 22, 2026

A silhouetted person uses a walker while moving along a paved path beside a tall chain-link fence topped with razor wire. The low sun creates strong glare and long shadows across a grassy yard and institutional buildings in the background, suggesting a secured facility.

Justice

Should sex offenders qualify for elderly parole at 50? Lawmakers rush to change rules

The potential release of two men who were convicted of molesting children in the Sacramento region has California lawmakers racing to revise elderly parole rules.

By Joe Garcia • April 22, 2026

A close-up shows a campus security worker wearing glasses, a face mask, and a bright reflective jacket, holding a handheld radio near their mouth as if speaking into it.

Politics

Democrats’ plan to raise pay for security guards would pressure employers into labor deals

California’s security guards earn low pay and have dangerous jobs. Legislative Democrats are pressuring companies to unionize.

By Ryan Sabalow • April 20, 2026

The reflection of a law enforcement officer is seen on a window along with three flag poles with the U.S., California and CHP flags.

Justice

How a CHP hiring spree started to bend the curve on CalPERS contribution rates

Yes, CalPERS is still digging out from lawmakers' overpromises and past investment losses. But you can see a trend that could save taxpayers money over time in a new analysis from the pension fund.

By Adam Ashton • April 20, 2026

A tall vertical sign reading “STOCKTON” rises in the foreground beside a historic building with arched walkways, columns, and green trim. The architecture has a Spanish or Mediterranean revival style, with decorative details and a tiled roofline. Cars are parked along the street, and a few palm trees and modern buildings appear further down the block under a clear sky.

Justice

How gangs connected to India are terrorizing a California immigrant community

The FBI and Indian authorities allege that gangs based in India are terrorizing Sikh immigrants in California by threatening them and demanding money.

By Gagandeep Singh • April 15, 2026

Law Enforcement