and other misconduct
We consent to police powers because police are expected to protect human rights and uphold the law, fairly and using only the minimum of force. But if police officers misuse or abuse their massive powers, this agreement is threatened. HRDAG works with partners in communities that are affected by misconduct and violence committed by police, with the goal of providing those partners with the tools they need to hold police officers accountable.
Some police officers avoid accountability by “wandering” to another agency. HRDAG and partners created a data tool that tracks officers’ employment history.
Boston Police deployed SWAT teams disproportionately to Black neighborhoods, sometimes raiding homes with young children. HRDAG extracted data revealing just how disproportionate.
In Puerto Rico, some people are more likely to be victims of police violence than others. HRDAG processed a flood of data to illuminate the racial bias.