Claims of Shoplifting Causing Closures Receive Scrutiny, Civil Forfeiture Down in MN & More

"This is not a large part of public safety budgets. I think there’s this myth that this is keeping places afloat. It’s really not. And this is why I think it was easier to make some of these changes."
 
New data from Minnesota shows that the state has seen a significant decline in asset forfeitures by law enforcement agencies, with a 35% drop over the last five years and a 15% decrease since 2021. This comes after legislation was passed in 2021 to limit police from seizing cash amounts less than $1,500 and making certain vehicle forfeitures without a criminal conviction. The decline in forfeiture cases reflects a shift towards greater accountability and transparency in the use of this controversial practice, with lawmakers and law enforcement working together to reduce its impact on individuals, particularly those in poverty.
 
"The cost of incarcerating older people is double that of housing younger ones, due to health care expenses."
 
A key aspect of the federal First Step Act—a bipartisan criminal justice reform legislation signed into law by President Trump—was the reauthorization of a pilot program that allowed elderly offenders who have served two-thirds of their sentence, have not been convicted of a crime of violence, and do not have a history of escape to be placed on home confinement for the remaining portion of their sentences. However, this program is at risk of expiration unless Congress takes action soon, despite evidence that this population poses a low risk to public safety and expanding it could further enhance savings.
 
"We’re all part of one big system, and if we think that we don’t impact each other, you know, that’s not really helpful. We all are part of it – individuals, families, neighborhoods, schools, communities. Everybody’s connected, and family is what we all have in common."
 
The Family Connections Center's annual Family Fun Day at the Northern New Hampshire Correctional Facility offers a glimpse into the lives of incarcerated parents and challenges the stigma associated with parental incarceration. While studies indicate the negative impact of parental incarceration on children, programs like FCC can positively influence outcomes and reduce problematic behavior. Some advocates and experts believe it may even be key to breaking the cycle of incarceration in some families. 
 
"Many stories do little more than summarize Target's announcement. Others contextualized Target's store closures as the result of a larger crime wave."
 
Target's decision to close nine stores due to their claims of increased theft and organized retail crime has garnered widespread attention, with media coverage largely accepting the company's claims at face value. However, an analysis of publicly available crime data reveals that the stores experienced lower levels of theft than nearby stores that will remain open, challenging Target's contention. Moreover, experts suggest that external theft is not the primary cause of inventory losses for these stores, and that competition from online retailers is more likely to blame. Popular Information took a deep dive into the data this week.
 
"Our office will adhere to the procedure established by the Nebraska Legislature. Though we are fulfilling our statutory duty, no one should conclude that this means that I disagree with the Attorney General’s opinion."
 
Nebraska’s Attorney General Mike Hilgers is challenging the constitutionality of a new criminal justice reform law, Legislative Bill 50, which addresses parole eligibility requirements and could allow some individuals behind bars to become eligible for parole at an earlier date. The lawsuit argues a hard-won reform, LB 50, violates the separation of powers in the Nebraska Constitution and gives commutation power to the Board of Parole. The bill was passed in a 34-15 vote after two years of legislative debate.