The latest installment used extensive public records act requests to show in memorable depth how oversight of police departments — and their internal culture — can determine accountability after in-custody deaths.
While the Lethal Restraint investigation already has prompted national reforms, the series had not yet delved into how the frontline of police accountability — departments — handle in-custody deaths.
Ryan Foley started to scrutinize Evansville, Indiana, police after the exclusive Lethal Restraint database showed an unusual cluster of four deaths on city streets. The investigation took on new relevance when he learned one rookie had died and another was disabled during “Big Fight” day at the training academy. Through public records act requests in a state that favors secrecy and revealing interviews, Foley’s reporting showed how authorities downplayed violence, that the coroner with a law enforcement background ruled that force did not contribute to the deaths, and how an aggressive mindset drilled into recruits manifests in deadly encounters. Foley was joined by John Seewer and his accumulated expertise of best policing practices in writing a gripping story that brought readers into the Big Fight.
Meanwhile, Jacques Billeaud and Mike Catalini dissected how Tucson, Arizona’s department handled two deaths just before the murder of George Floyd. Based on internal text messages and investigative files obtained under records act requests, they showed how internal culture can shape what a department tells the public.
This installment included video by Mark Vancleave, a photo gallery on the death of rookie sheriff’s deputy by Patrick Sison, and presentation by Dario Lopez. The reporting also included a Localize It guide and outreach to local outlets with offers of exclusive video.
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