The Watch

The Watch, led by journalist Radley Balko, focuses on civil liberties, criminal justice system reform, and investigative journalism. It critiques law enforcement practices, explores issues like forensic reliability, highlights misconduct and reform efforts, and addresses broader societal issues like immigration policies and systemic biases.

Criminal Justice System Reform Civil Liberties Investigative Journalism Law Enforcement Practices Forensic Science Reform Political Commentary Immigration Policy Media Criticism Mental Health in the Justice System Public Policy

The hottest Substack posts of The Watch

And their main takeaways

The retconning of George Floyd: An Update

1283 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Justice Media Policy Corrections Reforms
  1. Acknowledging and reflecting on one's own biases is important to maintain transparency and credibility in discussions.
  2. Amidst misinformation, there is frustration that detailed research is often overlooked in favor of easily digestible but misleading content.
  3. Clarifying and correcting misleading information, particularly on sensitive topics like life and death situations, is crucial for ensuring accurate discourse.

Some thoughts on the Substack controversy

2631 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
💼 Business Controversy Monetization Platform Subscription Income
  1. Substack has faced controversy over hosting white supremacists and other objectionable content
  2. Switching platforms can be risky for content creators like the author due to potential loss of subscribers and audience
  3. The author suggests direct support via other payment methods for those who want to support writers on Substack without contributing to the company

Book excerpt: Death Row Welcomes You, by Steven Hale

366 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📚 Literature Journalism Storytelling Ethics Humanity Injustice
  1. Tennessee has increased its rate of executions recently, despite questions about the fairness and transparency of the process.
  2. Journalists covering the death penalty face challenges in maintaining objectivity and dealing with the emotional toll of witnessing executions.
  3. The book 'Death Row Welcomes You' by Steven Hale sheds light on the humanity and compassion present in the community of people who connect with death row inmates, despite the harsh reality of the system.

Craig Watkins, RIP

698 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Prosecution
  1. Craig Watkins was the first black district attorney in Texas and started a unit to rectify wrongful convictions.
  2. Preservation of evidence and electing a prosecutor willing to look were key to uncovering wrongful convictions.
  3. Despite some ethical lapses, Watkins' tenure as district attorney brought about significant positive changes in the justice system.
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Daisy had other plans

1580 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🍲 Food & Drink Pets Emotions Memories Relationships
  1. Dogs are bred to be companions, reflecting the best parts of parenthood - joyful, loyal, and attentive.
  2. Adopting a dog can lead to unexpected adventures and new beginnings in life.
  3. The bond with a dog is deep and transformative, shaping one's identity and life path.

Lines in the sand

550 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Authoritarianism Democracy Civil Rights Political Discourse
  1. The Republican Party and Donald Trump are showing signs of embracing authoritarianism at an alarming rate.
  2. Concerns about Trump's disregard for democratic norms have shifted from being dismissed as exaggeration to becoming a mainstream issue.
  3. It's important to challenge individuals in power, regardless of their political affiliation, about their stances on authoritarianism and threats to democracy.

For just $450, you and Jeff Sessions can honor one of the worst sheriffs in the country

874 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Corruption Celebration Misconduct Civil Rights
  1. For $450, you can honor a controversial sheriff at an event with Jeff Sessions.
  2. The sheriff, Chad Bianco, has faced criticism for various actions, including issues with law enforcement practices.
  3. The event highlights a trend of celebrating law enforcement officials for their harsh tactics, even when faced with serious controversies.

Our broken death investigation system

486 implied HN points • 04 Dec 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics
  1. The death investigation system is flawed, with bias among medical examiners being a significant issue.
  2. High-profile cases such as the deaths of George Floyd and Damien Cameron shed light on the problems in the system.
  3. Studies show concerning biases in how medical examiners determine cause of death, impacting justice and public trust.

On crime in Golden Valley

585 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racial Justice Law enforcement
  1. After implementing diversity and equity initiatives, nearly half of Golden Valley Police Department officers quit, but crime decreased.
  2. Differences in data collection methods between the sheriff's department and the police department affected crime statistics in Golden Valley.
  3. The reduction in certain crimes in Golden Valley challenges the belief that aggressive policing of low-level offenses reduces serious crimes.

Friday fun update: "Look at what the kids are doing!"

458 implied HN points • 17 Nov 23
😂 Humor Satire Parody Comedy
  1. Media often exaggerate and sensationalize behaviors of kids to create panic among adults.
  2. There have been instances of ridiculous and unfounded fears about things like kids smoking Smarties or alcohol soaked tampons.
  3. Hysteria surrounding youth behaviors can lead to misinformation and unnecessary panic in society.

My questions for the GOP candidates

860 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Policing Criminal Justice Reproductive Rights First Amendment
  1. Some key questions for GOP candidates revolve around their stance on important issues like the COVID-19 vaccine, QAnon conspiracy theories, and racism.
  2. The GOP candidates are asked about their views on the death penalty, executing drug dealers, and their opinions on the Trump administration's policies.
  3. Questions are raised about the GOP candidates' stance on law enforcement, policing, and criminal justice reforms, including their views on the Capitol riots and the FBI.

Roundup: Baton Rouge police kept a torture black site, local officials arrest critics and protesters, Texas prepares to execute a man convicted with disproven Shaken Baby Syndrome, . . . and 76 hams

338 implied HN points • 09 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Law enforcement Criminal Justice Civil Liberties
  1. Baton Rouge police officers arrested for operating a torture chamber
  2. Issues with law enforcement misconduct across different states
  3. Miscarriage of justice cases and wrongful convictions highlighted

Reader mail

437 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
📰 News Journalism Substack Finances Challenges
  1. Investigative journalism requires patience and may not always result in a story.
  2. Finding stories involves tips from various sources like public defenders and casual conversations.
  3. Keeping content free can be rewarding in terms of subscriber support and belief in your work.

Rise of the Warrior Cop, 10 years on

557 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racial Justice Public Opinion
  1. The Obama administration was the first to advocate for police reform, leading to some positive changes in American policing.
  2. There has been a significant shift in public opinion towards police reform following events like the George Floyd protests.
  3. Despite progress in some cities, there are still challenges with toxic police culture and resistance to reform in certain areas and political factions.

Meet the nutty Tennessee Republicans trying to kill police reform in Nashville

550 implied HN points • 20 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Law enforcement
  1. Tennessee Republicans are pushing to dismantle police oversight boards in Nashville and Memphis, hampering accountability and transparency.
  2. The bill seeks to entrust investigations of police misconduct to the police departments themselves, potentially undermining independence and fairness.
  3. The legislators behind the bill have controversial histories, including support for discriminatory policies and questionable personal conduct.

Reader mailbag: Bias in journalism, criminal justice in pop culture, and how my own politics have changed

578 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media bias Criminal Justice Political Beliefs Civil Rights
  1. Bias in journalism can skew public perceptions, especially in crime shows like _The Forensic Files_ and _Cops_.
  2. Shows like _The Wire_ and _Homicide_ offer a more accurate portrayal of problems in law enforcement.
  3. Maintaining mental well-being is crucial when working in criminal defense, to avoid burnout in the field.

A big honking mea culpa

684 implied HN points • 01 Dec 22
  1. Stewart Rhodes and his group, Oath Keepers, became increasingly militant and enmeshed in right-wing culture wars over time.
  2. Despite initial interest in Oath Keepers for advocating constitutional rights protection, Rhodes' actions drifted towards violent and extreme behavior.
  3. Rhodes' devotion to a failed businessman's cult led to drastic political shifts and tarnished his legacy.

Welcome to The Watch

931 implied HN points • 05 Jan 22
  1. The Watch is a newsletter and website focused on reporting and commentary on criminal justice and civil liberties.
  2. Radley Balko, a journalist with 20 years of experience, runs The Watch and has won several journalism awards.
  3. Subscribers can expect investigative journalism, curated lists, exclusive commentary, and the opportunity to support impactful reporting.