How Much Power Do Police Oversight Offices Really Have?
In 2018, Austin created the Office of Police Oversight to try to increase police accountability. But has it really worked?
Michelle Pitcher
Michelle Pitcher is a staff writer at the Texas Observer covering criminal justice, housing, and education. She received her master’s in journalism from the University of California, Berkeley and was part of the team at The Marshall Project that won the Pulitzer Prize for national reporting. Her reporting has been featured on NPR, FiveThirtyEight, The Dallas Morning News, and more. Michelle was born and raised in Dallas and is now based in Austin.
Articles by Michelle Pitcher
How Are Texas Officials Responding to the End of ‘Roe’?
“Austin will, to the best of its ability, do all we can to protect our values and our people.”
Teachers Don’t Want Guns in Their Classrooms
Report shows school employees do not support arming staff.
Record Highs: Springtime Heat a Dangerous New Threat to Homeless Texans
Sweltering temperatures imperil unsheltered residents, and community resources aren’t a given.
Texas Supreme Court Throws Out Protections for Trans Youth
The decision reaffirms the state child welfare agency’s ability to investigate families who seek gender-affirming care for their kids.
Right-Wingers Gain Ground in Texas School Board Elections
Anti-“critical race theory” crusaders picked up seats in May elections around the state as part of a nationwide movement.