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

Trump roundup: Five days

585 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political corruption Executive Power Immigration Policy Political violence Government Accountability
  1. The administration is facing serious issues, like ignoring court orders and appointing unqualified people to key positions. This raises concerns about how the government is being managed.
  2. Immigration policies are getting stricter, with reports of plans for mass deportations and detaining people for simply checking in with authorities. This is creating a lot of fear among immigrant communities.
  3. There are increasing threats to free speech and the press, with officials targeting critics and controlling narratives. This could have lasting effects on how information is shared and how citizens engage with their government.

Profiles in poltroonery: Senator Thom Tillis

1037 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Elections Government Legislation Political parties
  1. Some politicians prioritize loyalty to powerful figures over their country. Senator Thom Tillis supported Donald Trump's choice for Secretary of Defense, even after serious accusations against him.
  2. Thom Tillis disregarded claims of misconduct against the nominee, including drinking problems and allegations of sexual assault. This shows how some politicians can ignore serious issues for political gain.
  3. By failing to stand up against Trump and voting to confirm the controversial nominee, Tillis put his own political ambitions above the well-being of the military and the integrity of his office.

Clapping for Stalin

1298 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Dictatorship Totalitarianism Political History Political culture
  1. People often feel pressured to show support, even if they don't really believe in it. This can lead to a situation where everyone claps just to fit in.
  2. Some individuals may hesitate to stop applauding because of fear of consequences, showing how group dynamics can create a sense of obligation.
  3. In extreme situations, a single person's choice can change the entire group’s behavior, like stopping applause, which can reveal who is truly independent and who is not.

A Q&A with immigration attorneys on the ground

373 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Climate Civil Rights
  1. Immigration policies are becoming stricter and changing rapidly, which causes fear within communities. People are worried about raids happening in areas like schools and hospitals.
  2. Lawyers for immigrants are noticing that most deportations are still targeting people who are easy to remove rather than dangerous criminals. This means many law-abiding people could be caught up in the system.
  3. There is a growing culture of fear surrounding immigration enforcement. Events meant to educate people about their rights are being canceled or avoided because activists fear they could put people at risk of being detained.

A Chicago judge just erased her predecessor's historic ruling on forensic firearms analysis

726 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Judicial system Criminal Justice Legal Reform Civil Rights
  1. A judge in Chicago recently overturned a significant ruling that questioned the reliability of forensic firearms analysis. This ruling had previously stopped prosecutors from presenting certain expert testimony in court.
  2. Forensic firearms analysis lacks strong scientific backing, and there's little evidence showing that analysts can accurately match bullets to guns. This raises doubts about its validity as a reliable tool in criminal cases.
  3. The legal system often prefers to maintain the status quo, which can prevent important scientific critiques from being heard. This means flawed methods can remain in use, making it hard to achieve true justice for those accused.
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Every kid deserves an Aunt Bobbie

1178 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Identity Relationships Aging Personal Growth Family
  1. Every kid needs someone outside their family who believes in them. This support can help them feel valued and understood.
  2. Having a close relationship with a quirky and caring mentor can enrich a child's life. These special people can inspire us and create lasting memories.
  3. Even if you don't have kids, you can still make a positive impact on younger generations. Being a supportive figure can make a difference in their lives, just like Aunt Bobbie did.

How to support journalism

677 implied HN points • 26 Dec 24
📰 News Journalism Media Ethics Investigative Reporting Local news Political Coverage
  1. Support journalism by subscribing to trustworthy outlets. Subscriptions help keep essential news sources alive and able to do their work.
  2. You can also give to local news organizations and independent journalists directly. This helps them produce quality reporting that might otherwise struggle for funding.
  3. Encouraging emails and legal support is crucial for journalists facing threats. A simple note can uplift them, and legal services are vital as free press faces challenges.

What to watch for: Aaron Reichlin-Melnick on immigration and mass deportations

416 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Immigration Deportation Policy Analysis Political Commentary Civil Rights
  1. The Trump administration's immigration plan could cause a lot of harm, affecting not only undocumented immigrants but also their families and the U.S. economy. There’s a risk of mass deportations, which can create fear in communities.
  2. There are many challenges to implementing plans for mass deportation. Even though there are threats and promises, practical limitations like resources, laws, and the need for due process can make it very difficult to achieve the massive deportation numbers that have been proposed.
  3. Fear is a powerful tool used in immigration policy, impacting how people live their daily lives. Even without actual mass deportations, the threat alone can lead to many people feeling unsafe and acting differently, which can hurt communities and their social fabric.

What to watch for: The weaponization of government

634 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Government Trump Policy Accountability
  1. Trump may try to use the government to punish his critics and opponents. This includes possible actions like arrests and public humiliation.
  2. His cabinet appointments show a trend of choosing unqualified loyalists. This raises concerns about whether these individuals can act in the country's best interest.
  3. The potential for social media to be used as a tool for harassment is growing. With Trump’s close ties to platforms, it might lead to targeted attacks on those who oppose him.

What to watch for: free speech and the free press

536 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Free speech Press freedom Media Regulation Civil Liberties
  1. There are serious concerns about how the current political climate could threaten the freedom of the press. Some politicians aim to make it easier to sue journalists, stifling critical coverage.
  2. The possibility of government retaliation against journalists is high. Officials may use government resources to target those who publish unflattering stories about them.
  3. Protests might be met with harsh responses from the government. There are fears that leaders will employ military force to suppress dissenting voices and silence activists.

A chat with John Grisham

529 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Nonfiction Authors Books Interviews
  1. John Grisham focuses on wrongful convictions and the flaws in the criminal justice system. His new book, 'Framed', sheds light on these issues and emphasizes the importance of reform.
  2. The conversation around the innocence movement highlights the challenges in getting justice for those wrongfully convicted. There's a lack of accountability among those involved in these cases, making it hard to address systemic mistakes.
  3. Everyday people can make a difference by engaging with those in prison, whether through writing letters or supporting innocence organizations. Small acts of kindness can provide hope to those who feel forgotten.

The "broligarch" threat to criminal justice reform

493 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Criminal Justice Elections Public Policy Political Narrative
  1. A new group of wealthy Republican donors, like Elon Musk, is spending a lot of money to undermine criminal justice reforms that many people support. They use fear and misinformation to influence public opinion against these reforms.
  2. Recent elections showed mixed results for criminal justice reform, but the narrative often ignores that where voters understood the real situation, reform generally succeeded. Some losses were fueled by huge funding to spread misleading information.
  3. Progressive prosecutors face unique challenges, including intense scrutiny, aggressive recall efforts, and media backlash, often related to crime rates that may not directly link to their policies. This creates an environment where their actions and reforms get blamed for crime increases, despite evidence to the contrary.

Trump is still lying about crime

557 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Elections Crime Policy Public Opinion Social Issues Political Rhetoric
  1. Crime rates in America are mostly falling, but Trump claims they are rising to scare voters. This doesn't match with the actual data showing crime is stable or decreasing.
  2. Trump uses crime as a tool for political gain, which includes spreading fear about threats like migrant crime and gang violence. This strategy helps him justify strict policies against certain groups.
  3. Despite the evidence showing crime is low, Trump's rhetoric has convinced many people that crime is a huge problem. This focus on crime affects public opinion and can shape harmful policies.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

On crime in Golden Valley

585 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Crime Statistics Police Reform 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.

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.

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.

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 Police Reform 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.

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

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 Police Reform 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.