‘He Failed to Signal’: When DPS Traffic Stops Turn Deadly
Shandra Hodge speaks out about her son’s death at the hands of state troopers in 2019.
police brutality
‘Chicano Squad’ Provides New Perspectives on Police Brutality and Unsolved Murders
Two native Texans teamed up to produce a just-released podcast that tells the story of an innovative group of Houston homicide detectives.
Why Didn’t San Antonio Police Immediately Apply First Aid To Darrell Zemault Sr. After Shooting Him?
Bystander videos show that officers waited a full minute before administering care.
A Monumental Undertaking
Protests to remove racist statues and iconography are part of a larger effort to reframe Texas history.
Reform vs. Rebuild: Defunding Law Enforcement in Texas
Years of activism and a legacy of police violence are fueling demands to reimagine public safety.
Why Protesters In Austin Are Chanting ‘Justice for Mike Ramos’
The protests sweeping Texas cities are a stark reminder of the pain caused by police violence.
The Protests Against Police Brutality in Texas, in Photos
Demonstrations against police brutality took place in cities large and small across Texas this weekend.
SIGN UP FOR TEXAS OBSERVER EMAILS
Botham Jean’s Death Could Lead to an Overhaul of Police Oversight in Dallas
The outrageous shooting of a man in his own apartment has triggered calls to reform Dallas’ toothless, decades-old system of police oversight.
New Contract Could Give Austin One of the Most Transparent Police Departments in the Country
Activists are claiming victory after a drawn-out fight over police accountability, and encouraging other cities to follow suit.
The Murder Conviction of Dallas-area Cop Roy Oliver is Nothing Short of Extraordinary
The case illustrates the high bar that prosecutors must clear for a conviction, particularly in Texas, where prosecutions for on-duty killings are virtually unheard of.